CHENNAI, India: Wriddhiman Saha scored a responsible 46 not out to set up a 11-run win for Chennai Super Kings against Kochi Tuskers Kerala in the Indian Premier League Wednesday. Saha cracked three sixes and a four in his 33-ball knock as Chennai posted a competitive 152-5 before restricting Kochi to 141-5 on a slow track at the Chidambaram Stadium. The victory, Chennai's seventh in a row at home, moved Mahendra Singh Dhoni's side to the top of the points table with nine wins (18 points) from 13 outings. IPL debutant Kochi bowed out of the tournament after going down to its eighth defeat from 14 games. Bangalore Royal Challengers has also qualified. MumbaiIndians, Kolkata Knight Riders and Kings XI Punjab are in contention for the remaining two places in the four team playoffs. Brad Hodge top-scored with an unbeaten 51 off 42 balls to keep Kochi in the hunt but lacked support from the other batsmen. Chennai lost three quick wickets inside nine overs against some fine bowling and catching by paceman Rudra Pratap Singh. Australian Mike Hussey, whose clean catch by Parthiv Patel off an attempted paddle sweep was turned down by umpire Rudi Koertzen, lifted the innings briefly with a 37-ball 32. Scores: Chennai Super Kings 152-5 in 20 overs (W. Saha 46 not out, M. Hussey 32; R. Jadeja 2-26). Kochi Tuskers Kerala 141-5 in 20 overs (B. Hodge 51 not out, B. McCullum 33). – Agence France
