Albie Morkel struck a crucial cameo of 19 from 6 balls with three sixes and then captured 3 for 38 with the ball to help hosts Chennai Super Kings in defeating Deccan Chargers by 19 runs at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Batting first after winning the toss, CSK had started in a steady fashion through Michael Hussey who scored 46 from 41 balls and Suresh Raina who got 59 from 35 balls with 6 fours and 2 sixes. A superb finish from Albie Morkel lifted the total to a competitive 165 for 5 on a turning track. Left arm spinner Pragyan Ojha enjoyed the favourable pitch conditions to take 3 for 26.
Deccan Chargers looked to be running away with the game as Sunny Sohal provided them with a breezy start by helping them along to 71 for 1 inside 7 overs. Sohal smashed 56 from 30 balls with 6 fours and 4 sixes before getting bowled by Jakati. DC lost the plot after his dismissal and had slipped to 121 for 5 in the 16th over when they lost Skipper Sangakkara. There was still enough hopes for a win with DC having the likes of White, Duminy and Christian but CSK managed to get their crucial wickets to hold onto the win.
- BV Swagath