CSK pile on highest total in win

Murali Vijay's sensational ton makes the Chennai Super Kings too hot to handle for the Rajasthan Royals on day of records and sixes

Match Report: Match-32: Chennai Super Kings vs Rajasthan Royals at M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, 3rd April, 2010

Chennai, April 3: It was spectacular IPL day in Chennai that rained sixes and records galore inspite of the stifling heat. And the day’s super hero was India opener Murali Vijay, who hammered a spectacular 127 off just a mere 56 deliveries (8x4). The 26-year-old opener struck as many as 11 sixes out of the 17 sixes hit in total by the Chennai Super Kings on the day. Vijay and left-hander Albie Morkel (62; 34 balls, 3x4, 5x6) were involved in a scintillating 152 run stand for the third wicket in 66 deliveries to steal the day’s honours.

Chennai Super Kings, on a hot and humid day, were too hot for Rajasthan Royals and in the process posted a record IPL total of 246/5 in 20 overs. The gallant Rajasthan Royals went down fighting, as they chased the huge target running it close to make 223/5. Chennai Super Kings were victors by 23 runs.

With his magnificent win, Chennai Super Kings climbed to fourth spot with 8 points. They have four wins and five losses from nine matches. Rajasthan Royals were stuck with 8 points and pushed down to the fifth spot.

Chennai Super Stars captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni won the toss and elected to bat. Matthew Hayden and Murali Vijay meant business. The two put on 62 in 5.5 overs. However, Hayden fell to a soft dismissal when he lobbed an easy catch to Shane Watson at extra cover for 21-ball 34 (5x4, 1x6). Left-hander Suresh Raina lasted seven balls before he steered Shane Warne to Shaun Tait at point for 13. But after that it was Vijay and Morkel’s show for the next 11 overs.

The elegant Vijay continued to bask in glory. The Indian Test opener was in cracking form and began to flay the Rajasthan Royals attack at will. It rained sixes at the stadium much to the delight of the local fans. Morkel looked solid and aggressive. He too joined the party. The Rajasthan Royal bowlers were hapless spectators as Vijay and Morkel were simply ruthless as they went about with their run-spree. Medium pacer Sumeet Narwal was clubbed for four sixes, three by Vijay and one by Morkel in one over.

One for the statistical record books, Vijay got his 50 in 30 balls (3x4, 3x6) while Morkel reached his 50 in 26 balls (2x4, 2x6). Vijay got to his maiden century off 46 balls, 6x4, 9x6) with a straight drive off Shane Watson. However, Morkel was run out for 62 (34b, 3x4, 5x6). But the third wicket partnership produced the second highest stand of 152 runs, just three runs short of 155 runs set by Adam Gilchrist and VVS Laxman of Deccan Chargers against Mumbai Indians in the inaugural IPL Season 2008.

Vijay, however, became the highest scorer in IPL 2010 by hitting 127 off mere 56 deliveries (8x4, 11x6), racing past David Warner's (107 not out) of Delhi Daredevils and Yusuf Pathan (100) of Rajasthan Royals. But Vijay ensured that Chennai Super Kings post the highest team total of 246/5, five more than the same team which scored 241/4 against Kings XI Punjab in IPL 2008. The last ten overs Chennai Super Kings massacred a 157 runs and in the last five overs they amassed 76 runs. Incidentally, the first 100 came in 11.1 overs.

The Rajasthan Royals bowlers cut a sorry figure. Shaun Tait went for 41 runs, Yusuf Pathan for 44 runs. Narwal was conceded 41 in his two overs. Watson had the best figures of 2/47. Even the legendary leg spinner Shane Warne had to take a back seat as he had figures of 1/32 in three overs.

When Rajasthan Royals chased a record 247 for victory, Bollinger pulled off a fantastic catch at long on to send back Yusuf Pathan for 4. But Naman Ojha made a superb 55-ball 94 (9x4, 6x6) while Watson fresh back from New Zealnad blasted at 25-ball 65 (5x5, 6x6). But the end of the two batsmen also signalled the end of the Rajasthan Royals challenge. Bollinger had the best figures of 2/15 but Morkel and Muralitharan went over 50 runs.

There were few changes in both the teams. Watson came in place of Adam Voges for the Rajasthan Royals while Doug Bollinger replaced Thilan Thushara in the Chennai Super Kings team.