IPL 6: CSK v/s RR - Heroes of the Match

The Chennai Super Kings prevailed over the Rajasthan Royals in the second close finish between the two at the M A Chidambaram stadium in two years, tonight. The win takes the two-time champions to the top of the table for the first time this season, although the Royal Challengers will be keen to take it back from them tomorrow afternoon. It was a high-scoring game with some fantastic individual performances all around. Here are the best of them:

Shane Watson – The centurion

Key stats: Batting figures - 101 off 61 (6 fours, 6 sixes); Bowling figures - 1.5 – 0 – 21 – 0

The first century of this year’s IPL was registered tonight by the Australian who absolutely took apart any plans that the CSK bowlers might have had in store for him. After his flop with the bat at the Chinnaswamy a couple of days ago, Watson came good amid the sea of yellow at the Chepauk, sparing no bowler the treatment. As a special treat, fans were served up scenes of intimidation when Watson targeted ‘Sir’ Ravindra Jadeja, forcing a couple of wides from the bowler with a couple of sixes over long on. Did all he could to stop Bravo in the final over of the game, but fell just short of the finish line.

Ravichandran Ashwin – Spinning a web

Key stats: Bowling figures - 4.0 – 0 – 20 – 2; Catches - 1

The closest to a mystery bowler that India has, Ashwin kept his calm and notched up a couple of important wickets to put the brakes on the Royals’ batting, at least off his deliveries. A bowler going at 5 runs to the over when the team has gone at over 9 is an obvious indicator of how good Ashwin’s performance was on the night. The wickets of Rahane and Yagnik also meant that Chennai came out to bat with less stiff a target than might have been.

Michael Hussey – They call him Mr. Cricket

Key stats: Batting figures – 88 off 51 (13 fours, 1 six); Catches – 1

After Watson, it was the turn of another Australian opener to deliver the goods, with Michael Hussey making a real charge up the scoring charts with a brisk knock. Virat Kohli‘s comfortable lead in the race for the Orange cap is now under real threat, with Hussey’s consistency taking him real close. On the night, Hussey’s knock was key to Chennai’s victory, with intent from the get-go keeping the required run rate manageable. Coming as it did after some tremendous fielding effort in the first innings, it earned him a well deserved MoM award.

James Faulkner - Lone ranger

Key stats: Bowling figures - 4.0 – 0 – 20 – 3

One of the most economical bowlers of the tournament thus far, Faulkner did his figures no harm with an excellent performance with the ball. His three wickets were what gave the Royals a chance towards the end, with them having looked down and out ever since the opposition batsmen took the field. Very unfortunate to have ended up on the losing side, but no more so than Shane Watson.