Moises Henriques stars as Sixers prove too strong for Chennai
Sydney Sixers got their Champions League T20 campaign off to a good start with a 14-run victory over Chennai.
Last Updated: 14/10/12 8:28pm
Shane Watson and Moises Henriques led the way as the Sixers tallied 185-5 and they then restricted Chennai to 171-9 despite a fine 57 from Suresh Raina.
The Sixers were put into bat and got off to a good start, Michael Lumb (18) and the in-form Watson putting on 50 in the first six overs before Ravindra Jadeja trapped Lumb in front.
Watson (46) was run out by a direct hit from Ben Hilfenhaus, who then took a fine low catch in the deep to remove another of his Aussie compatriots, Brad Haddin (20).
But man of the match Henriques ensured Sydney would post a good total with a brilliant innings, hitting five boundaries and three sixes in his 23-ball 49 not out.
Murali Vijay was bowled for just 1 by Mitchell Starc (3-31) when Chennai replied but Faf du Plessis gave them a shout with 43 from 25 balls.
He and Mike Hussey (16) fell in quick succession, to leave the Super Kings 67-3, but Raina took up the chase, adding 55 with Subramaniam Badrinath, who contributed just six to the cause.
But Henriques (3-23) then showed his prowess with the ball, having Badrinath caught behind and then taking the prized wicket of Raina (57 off 33 balls), who would have had a third six, only for Steve Smith to take a brilliantly-judged catch over his head at long-on, before doing well not to topple over the boundary.
Two balls later, MS Dhoni (8) lofted Henriques to deep midwicket and fell to another great catch, Josh Hazlewood diving forward to remove the dangerous Chennai skipper and leave the Super Kings with too much to do.