Chennai top the table

Chennai (PTI): Australian batsman Michael Hussey smashed a stroke-filled 95 and effected a crucial run out as Chennai Super Kings survived a scare before eking out a 14-run win over Kolkata Knight Riders in a high-scoring Pepsi IPL match, here on Sunday. Left-handed Hussey was in terrific touch as he batted with ease, taking just 59 balls for knock which was studded with 13 boundaries and led the hosts to a formidable 200 for three after invited to bat. The Australian along with new opening partner Wriddhiman Saha (39) rattled up 103 in 10 overs and later added 55 for the second wicket with Suresh Raina, who chipped in with a quick-fire 25-ball 44. The Knight Riders refused to be intimidated by the big target and put up a spirited fight but eventually fell short as the hosts had too many runs to defend. Manvinder Bisla batted brilliantly from one end but his efforts could only reduce the defeat margin. Bisla scored 92 off 61 balls with 14 fours and two sixes as Kolkata managed 186 for four. Hussey sent back Bisla with a direct hit at crucial juncture as the Indian in company of Eoin Morgan (32 not out) had almost pulled off a great win for his side. Bisla was run out in the penultimate over when his side needed 23 from 10 balls and that had a bearing on the outcome. Kolkata began their chase in right earnest, scoring at a good pace with Bisla yet again doing a great job for his side. Chris Morris was singled out for special treatment by Bisla as he hit the paceman for four boundaries in the fifth over. But not keeping wickets in hand hurt their chances. Skipper Gautam Gambhir (14) frittered away a good start and comeback-man Brendon McCullum (6) could not make any impact. Gambhir was bowled by Morris while McCullum dragged one back onto his stumps off Mohit Sharma. Chennai spinners created some good chances and Jacques Kallis got two lives when Raina put him down in the deep off Ashwin and Dhoni missed a stumping off Ravindra Jadeja. However, the South African could not cash in on and departed after making a 19-run contribution when his scoop off Dwayne Bravo landed in hands of Dirk Nannes. Brief Scores: Chennai Super Kings 200 for 3 (Michael Hussey 95, Suresh Raina 44) bt Kolkata Knigth Riders 186 for 4 (M Bisla 92, E Morgan 32 no).

Dhoni fined Chennai (PTI): Chennai Super Kings captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni was fined after his side maintained a slow over-rate during their IPL match against Kolkata Knight Riders here on Sunday. At the end of the match, Chennai Super Kings were assessed to be two overs behind the required rate after allowances were taken into consideration. Since it was his first offence of the season under the IPL's Code of Conduct relating to minimum over-rate offences, Dhoni was fined $20,000.