Michael Hussey hit 79 not out to lead the Chennai Super Kings to an eight-wicket win against the Rajasthan Royals.

The Australian was at his clinical best, dispatching eight fours and a six during a 55-ball contribution that saw the Super Kings to a target of 148 with eight deliveries to spare.

After Johan Botha (1-22) removed Murali Vijay (5) lbw in the second over, Hussey and Suresh Raina put on 137 from 100 balls for the second wicket.

Raina (61) was caught by Botha off seamer Siddarth Trivedi's bowling (1-37) with three still required - Hussey pulling the next delivery to the midwicket boundary to end proceedings.

The Royals had earlier mustered only 147-6 after opting to bat first at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.

Catch

Opening pair Shane Watson (32) and Rahul Dravid (66) set a solid platfrom with an 86-run alliance in 10.1 overs.

Left-arm spinner Shadab Jakati (2-22) removed Watson with a magnificent caught-and-bowled, leaping in front of the umpire to take a two-handed chance.

And Rajasthan struggled throughout the remainder of the innings, Ross Taylor (20) the only other batsman to register double figures as seamer Albie Morkel finished with 2-24.

Defending champions Chennai are now up to third in the IPL standings, level on 12 points but below Kolkata Knight Riders and Mumbai Indians on net run-rate.

The Royals remain fourth with 11 points.