IPL 2019:CSK Hammer RCB By 7 Wickets

Chennai: Defending champions Chennai Super Kings kicked off their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2019 campaign on a rousing note by thrashing Royal Challengers Bangalore by seven wickets at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, here on Saturday.

After wrapping up the visitors on a paltry total of 70 runs, the sixth lowest total in the IPL history, the hosts took 17.5 overs to overhaul the target on a slow Chepauk wicket.

Chasing a low total seemed a child's play for Chennai, however, the Bangalore bowlers also utilised the favourable conditions to create little panic in hosts' dug out.

Like Bangalore, Chennai was also off to a poor start as Yuzvendra Chahal sent back opener Shane Watson who failed to open his account.

Incoming batsman Suresh Raina (19) and opener Ambati Rayudu slowly and steadily lifted their side towards the target before Moeen Ali applied brakes on the former's innings.