CHENNAI — Chennai Super Kings humiliated Royal Challengers Bangalore by seven wickets in the opening match of the 2019 Indian Premier League (IPL) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai Saturday.

Chasing a paltry 71 for victory, Chennai ran home by the loss of three wickets.

Bangalore succumbed to 70 as Chennai’s Harbhajan Singh and Imran Tahir shared six wickets between them, giving away just 29 runs in eight overs. Parthiv Patel was the top scorer with 29.

Chennai also struggled on a Chepauk turner, losing opener Shane Watson (0) and Suresh Raina (19).

Raina became the first player to score 5000 runs in the league and consolidated his position as the league’s all-time leading run-getter.

Ambati Rayudu anchored the innings contributing 28. Kedar Jadhav remained unbeaten on 13.

Scores:

Bangalore 70 (Virat Kohli 6, Parthiv Patel 29, Moeen Ali 9, AB de Villiers 9, Harbhajan Singh 3-20, Imran Tahir 3-9, Ravindra Jadeja 2-15).

Chennai 71-3 (Ambati Rayudu 28, Suresh Raina 19, Kedar Jadhav 13 not out, Yuzvendra Chahal 1-6, Moeen Ali 1-19, Mohammed Siraj 1-5).

Man of the Match: Harbhajan Singh. — SG