Raina powers Chennai to final

Raina slams an unbeaten 94 off 48 balls as Chennai Super Kings storm past the Royal Challengers Bangalore.

DURBAN: Suresh Raina slammed an unbeaten 94 off 48 balls as the Chennai Super Kings stormed past the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Champions League Twenty20 semi-final at Kingsmead. Raina propelled Chennai to a formidable 174 for four after rain reduced the match to 17 overs a side. Facing an adjusted target of 176, Bangalore never recovered after losing three wickets for 12 runs and crumbled to 123 all out as Chennai, the Indian Premier League champions, won by 52 runs according to the Duckworth Lewis method.

Raina, who arrived at the crease at 19 for one, added 81 with Murali Vijay in just eight overs as he made the highest score of the tournament. Anil Kumble’s problems were further compounded after fast-bowler Dale Steyn was injured while taking a catch to dismiss Mike Hussey.

Faced with a daunting target, Bangalore’s hopes were snuffed out by Chennai opening bowlers Albie Morkel and Doug Bollinger, who dismissed the first three batsmen within the first 3.3 overs.

Chennai captain MS Dhoni said, “Raina made it look easy. But on this wicket raw pace can make a big difference and they were short of a bowler.”

Published in The Express Tribune, September 26^th, 2010.