Chennai prove regal again !

Dhoni's brutal assault on the Royals paid off. Also Vijay's classic 50. And professional bowling by the Kings proved to be curtains for the Royals. Chennai moved to the second position of the IPL Table., with seven wins from 11 matches, with 14 points.

A mammoth 196/3 was posted and bowlers led by Bollinger ( 3/22), shot out Rajastan for 133.

M Hussey scored 46 off 30, Raina 43 off 27 and Vijay with his brilliant stroke play scored 53 off 40 balls to post that formidable score.

Dhoni smashed three mighty sixes and three fours. Vijay hit three sixes and two fours. Hussey hit the fence eight times and Raina six times.

Rahane scored 52 off 36 balls. Rajastan needed a flying start badly which their openers Dravid and Watson could not give them.

Albie Morket removed the in form Ross Taylor, dealing a great blow to the Royals, who were smarting at the loss of the openers. The remaining Royals batsmen buckled under pressure, with the solitary exception of Rahane.

The Royals were 70/4 in the tenth over and Rahane tried to redeem Rajastan, even though he could not threaten the Kings.

The home crowd appreciated Rahane's effort and applauded the youngster, who scored 52. Rahane hooked, pulled and cut the Chennai bowlers, reviving hopes of a turnaround in the Royal fortunes.

Rahane hit Bravo for two consecutive fours and his cut past point, was a glorious shot worth going miles to see.

Rahane swept Ashwin for four, but the scholar-bowler ( a BTech, Ashwin has just joined MBA ) fought back to end the innings of Watson. Trying to sweep, Watson top edged Ashwin into the hands of Jakati. Then Morkel shot out Taylor with a fast widish delivery and Royals were reeling royally !

The exciting prospect, Ashok Menaria, fell to the guiles and wiles of Ashwin. Rahane's shots saw Rajastan past the 100 mark, but then he ran more or less out of partners.

The home crowd was shocked when Raina took a brilliant catch to signal the end of Rahane. Then Raut hit a six and a four , before he rah himself out and Chennai won the match by 63 runs !