CHENNAI: Australian batsman Michael Hussey hit 61 Monday to lead the defending champion Chennai Super Kings to a 25-run victory over Pune Warriors in the IPL. The in-form left-hander provided a solid start after the Super Kings were sent in to bat. Warriors fast bowlers Jerome Taylor and Alfonso Thomas then combined to take five wickets to restrict the home team to 142-6 off 20 overs. South African medium-pacer Albie Morkel and offspinner Ravichandran Ashwin struck early to reduce Warriors to 40-4. The visitors finished on 117-9 off 20 overs for its third loss in five games at the halfway stage of the 10-team competition. Morkel claimed 3-29 as the Super Kings won its third match out of six after having lost two straight. “Can't afford to lose games in a row,” Super Kings captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni said. I always go without any pre-planned ideas in mind. It helps me, doesn't restrict me.” Hussey put on 64 for the opening wicket with Murali Vijay (31) before Thomas dismissed Vijay and Suresh Raina (2) in the same over. Dhoni lashed 26 before being stumped off Rahul Sharma. Taylor, playing in his first match of the season, then removed Hussey, Morkel (0) and Anirudha Srikkanth (7) to open up the contest. Pune skipper Yuvraj Singh struck a fighting 34 in putting on 38 for the fifth wicket with Mithun Manhas (20) before Morkel had the Indian left-hander caught at mid-off to put the Super Kings in control. Australian quick Doug Bollinger dismissed Manhas and Nathan McCullum for 15 to finish with 2-20. On Tuesday, Delhi Daredevils play Royal Challengers Bangalore in New Delhi. Scores: Chennai Super Kings 142-6 in 20 overs (Michael Hussey 61, Murali Vijay 31, Mahendra Singh Dhoni 26; Jerome Taylor 3-30, Alfonso Thomas 2-29). Pune Warriors 117-9 in 20 overs (Yuvraj Singh 34; Albie Morkel 3-29, Doug Bollinger 2-20, Ravichandran Ashwin 2
