Sat, 16 Apr 2011 - IP Chennai vs IP Bangalore, IPL 2011, 14th Match - Bulletin

Hussey, bowlers script Chennai’s comeback win

Defending champions Chennai make a clinical comeback as their bowlers backed up their good work of their batsmen to hand over Bangalore a 21 run defeat marking their third loss on a trot. After Michael Hussey’s 81 supported by cameos from Murali Vijay, Suresh Raina and skipper MS Dhoni powered Chennai to 183, bowlers, Suraj Randiv and R Ashwin in particular, put up a disciplined performance to script a victory infront of home crowd. The win comes in the backdrop of defeat against Punjab when Chennai bowlers failed to defend 188 succumbing to Paul Valthaty’s blistering ton.

There were not in such a mood this time around as Albie Morkel and Tim Southee took a wicket apiece in their first overs to reduce Bangalore 17 for 2 inside two overs and both new ball bowlers made sure easy runs aren’t scored off them. Tilkeratne Dilshan went for a duck as he flicked one in the air to be caught at mid-off which followed with a wicket of Asad Pathan promoted to number when batsman was clean bowled by a straight delivery from Southee. Things were made difficult for Bangalore batsmen when spinners came to bowl with R Ashwin having Mayank Agarwal caught at mid-off in his first over to have Bangalore at 31 for 3 in the fifth over.

The fourth wicket partnership between AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli gave some hope to Bangalore as both, after spending some time in the middle, started to go after Chennai bowling. It was Kohli who started the charge hitting four boundaries and a six in his 28-ball 35 but with required run rate mounting all the time he fell to Shadab Jakati in pursuit of some quick runs.

His partnership of 42 with AB gave did give some impetus to Bangalore effort and after his dismissal AB opened up to hit some lusty blows and reigniting some hopes in Bangalore camp. Even his 44-ball 66 including five fours and two sixes wasn’t enough as Chennai not only kept the scoring rate under control but also chipped with crucial wickets at regular wickets.

Randiv and Ashwin had eight overs between two of them conceding only 46 runs and taking three wickets as well. Other spinner Jakati who was touch expensive had a prized wicket of Kohli to dent Bangalore big time.

Michael Hussey back after finishing his commitments with national side in Bangladesh started his IPL, 2011 with a bang as his undefeated 81 propelled Chennai to 183 against Bangalore side that displayed a poor show in the field. Solid contributions from his fellow opener Murali Vijay, Suresh Raina and skipper MS Dhoni were also instrumental Chennai posting a winning total.

Bangalore fielders were very generous to Australian left hander as he was dropped twice in his 56-ball knock with substitute Mohammad Kaif dropped a dolly with Hussey only on eight. He got another reprieve in the later stages of his innings when Asad Pathan grassed on off same bowler Johan Vanderwath.

Barring those two missed catches and occasional mistimed strokes, it was typical Hussey innings dabbing, nudging, running hard between the wickets, hitting boundaries off poor balls and improvising to get some quick runs.

He let Vijay to do most of the scoring who mercilessly hit two fours and a six off one Vanderwath over in which Hussey was also dropped. Vijay deposited young off-spinner R Ninan to long off boundaries but bowler had a quick revenge having opener caught in the deep for a 21-ball 31 punctuated with three fours and a six.

It didn’t affect scoring arte as Hussey changed his gears and combined with Suresh Raina for the third wicket to hit quick fire 45 off just 26 balls. Raina used his feet and slog swept against slow bowlers to hit three fours and a six in his 29 taking only 16 balls before becoming Ninan’s second victim.

Hussey got better and better as innings progressed hitting some crisp pull shots and sweeping spinners to put them off the line and length as Dhoni took a liking to his Indian spearhead Zaheer Khan slamming him for a straight six and four.

With Bangalore having a poor day in the field, Hussey looted runs in the end overs at will to remain not out and hitting eleven fours and a six in his first knock of the IPL this season. Only skipper Daniel Vettori could make an impression with the ball as he conceded only 23 runs in his four overs while other bowlers failed to keep Hussey and co. under control.