Badrinath shines in easy Chennai win

Kohli hits half-century in IPL.

MUMBAI: Subramaniam Badrinath hit an unbeaten 63 as Chennai Super Kings outclassed Pune Warriors by eight wickets for their second win over the Indian Premier League (IPL) debutants in two days.

Badrinath anchored the innings to help Chennai overhaul Pune’s modest 141 for six with three balls to spare. Murali Vijay (31) and Suresh Raina (34*) chipped in with useful knocks to ensure a comfortable win.

The victory saw them move to second on the points table behind Mumbai whereas Pune slumped to their fourth defeat in a row.

Yuvraj Singh earlier scored an unbeaten 62 off 43 balls to resurrect Pune who were reeling on 83 for five.

Bangalore defeat Delhi

Virat Kohli smashed a brisk half-century to help Royal Challengers Bangalore post a three-wicket victory over Delhi Daredevils.

He hit two sixes and eight fours in his 38-ball 56 as Bangalore surpassed Delhi’s total of 160 for six with three balls to spare for their third win in seven matches.

Bangalore needed 22 runs to win in the last three overs, but captain Daniel Vettori (18*) and Syed Mohammad (13*) held their nerve to see their team home. It was Delhi’s fourth defeat in six matches.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 28^th, 2011.