CENTURION, South Africa, CMC – Stylish stroke-maker Suresh Raina missed out on a century yesterday as Chennai Super Kings pummelled Wayamba by 97 runs in the Champions League Twenty20.
The left-hander smashed a splendid 87 as Chennai, batting first after being sent in, chalked up 200 for three off their allotted 20 overs at SuperSport Park.
In reply, Sri Lankan side Wayamba crashed to 103 all out with 17 balls to spare, to slump to their second successive loss.
The 23-year-old Raina took centre stage after Australian opener Matthew Hayden fell cheaply for 10 at 43 for one in the sixth over.
He cracked six sixes and six fours in facing a mere 44 balls and shared a frenetic second wicket stand of 137 with opener Murali Vijay who hammered 68 from 46 balls.
Raina eventually fell to a catch at cover off Chanaka Welegedara who finished with two for 47.
In their turn at the crease, Wayamba struggled from the outset losing Jeevantha Kulatunga to the second ball of the innings without scoring, with the total on one for one. Stroke-maker Mahela Jayawardene stroked two fours in 10 but was one of two batsmen to fall with the score on 18, as Wayamba lost wickets regularly.
Shalika Karunanayake top scored with 25 from 31 balls as off-spinner Ravi Ashwin grabbed four for 18 and pacer Albie Morkel, three for 22.
