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Chennai - Michael Hussey and Suresh Raina hit impressive half-centuries as Chennai Super Kings thrashed Rajasthan Royals by eight wickets for their fourth victory in a row in the Indian Premier League.
Hussey cracked 79 not out and shared 137 runs for the second wicket with Raina (61) to help Chennai overhaul Rajasthan's 147-6 with eight balls to spare in hot and humid conditions at the Chidambaram Stadium.
The victory propelled Chennai to third spot on the log while Shane Warne-led Rajasthan suffered their fourth defeat from 10 outings.
Chennai lost opener Murali Vijay early in their chase but Raina and the dependable Australian middle-order batsman Hussey ensured an easy victory for the defending champions.
Hussey hit eight fours and a six in his 55-ball knock to upstage a fine 66-run effort by Rajasthan's Rahul Dravid.
Dravid gave Rajasthan a steady start, sharing 86 runs with opening partner Shane Watson off 10 overs to set the platform for a good total after Warne won the toss and elected to bat in sweltering heat.
The veteran right-hander appeared in supreme touch during his 51-ball knock, unleashing classic as well as improvised shots on either sides of the wicket against both spinners and pace bowlers.
The former Indian captain even outscored the in-form Watson, who hit five fours before being caught brilliantly by left-arm spinner Shadab Jakati off his own bowling for a 26-ball 32.
Watson's dismissal triggered a collapse with Rajasthan losing their next five wickets, including that of Dravid, for the addition of 53 runs.
Dravid perished while attempting to pull a short ball to midwicket off Sri Lankan off-spinner Suraj Randiv, whom he once hit for three fours in an over.
Brief scores:
Rajasthan Royals 147-6 in 20 overs (R. Dravid 66, S. Watson 32; S. Jakati 2-22, A. Morkel 2-24) lost to Chennai Super Kings 149-2 in 18.4 overs (M. Hussey 79 not out, S. Raina 61) by eight wickets.
