 Hayden, Oram fashion easy victory for Chennai Super Kings
26th Apr 2008 23:00 IST
Agencies
Matthew Hayden's commanding half-century coupled with a disciplined bowling effort resulted in Chennai Super Kings' comprehensive nine-wicket victory over Kolkata Knight Riders in an Indian Premier League encounter in Chennai today.
Electing to bat in the battle of two unbeaten sides, the Knight Riders were restricted to a modest 147/9 in their allotted 20 overs with New Zealander Jacob Oram returning figures of 3/32 for the home side.
The Super Kings surpassed the target with three overs to spare.
Hayden hit three fours and as many sixes in his 49-ball innings and was well supported by captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni who hit a quickfire 43 off 27 deliveries which was studded with six hits to the fence and two over it.
The duo shared an unbeaten 86-run stand for the second wicket after Parthiv Patel fell to Ajit Agarkar for 21 in the ninth over of the innings.
Dhoni, who promoted himself ahead of Australian Michael Hussey to number three, ended the run chase in style with a huge six off Murali Kartik as Chennai raced to 152/1 and the top of the points table.
Hayden, who would soon return home to prepare for Australia's series in the West Indies, was in his elements right from the start.
He cut and drove with impunity while opening partner Patel lived dangerously at the other end, repeatedly fishing outside the off-stump.
Under pressure of defending a small total, most of the Kolkata bowlers were erratic and expensive.
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