Cape Cobras beat Chennai Super Kings at their own game for a big part of the second innings by taking pace off the ball, the visitors made life difficult for the defending champions but then there was Dwayne Bravo. The West Indian picked 14 runs off three deliveries in the penultimate over from Dale Steyn to ease the mounting pressure. With only six required off the last over it became all too easy for Chennai who pocketed their first win with four wickets to spare.

Chennai required a sound start but were denied by Vernon Philander who removed the out of form M.
Vijay early. From there it was a JP Duminy show all the way. The off-spinner maintained a tight leash and in turn forced the batsmen to commit mistakes amidst mounting pressure.

Mike Hussey chanced his arm once too often while Suresh Raina and Wriddhiman Saha fell to smart acts in the field.
Dhoni never looked assured and threw his wicket while tryiong to up the ante but the depth in Chennai's rank prevented a heartbreak.

Earlier in the day Cobras were recompensed for excelling at basics. A healthy total was mustered against a bowling that didn't look at its sharpest. Justin Kemp won a vita toss. Handing the new ball to R. Ashiwn helped Chennai gnaw an early wicket. Richard Levi paid the price for playing back to a length ball. Herschelle Gibbs played like a school kid who had nothing to lose. The opener connected a few, missed many and was finally out top edging for 18.

Dane Vilas looked composed but his sudden exit brought together Shah and Duminy and a productive phase for the Cobras. It took 43 deliveries for the pair to add 57. Ashwin and Dwayne Bravo did a fine restrictive job. Chennai tightened things towards the end to keep the score down to 145. The last three overs produced only 16 runs. The hosts had won the opening half having kept the target down to manageable levels.

- dc chennai