Super Kings secure outright lead

The Chennai Super Kings separated themselves from the chasing pack thanks to a straightforward 33-run triumph over the Delhi Daredevils in Tuesday's Indian Premier League fixture at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chepauk.

The Chennai Super Kings separated themselves from the chasing pack thanks to a straightforward 33-run triumph over the Delhi Daredevils in Tuesday's Indian Premier League fixture at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chepauk.

Skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni hit an unbeaten 58 as the Super Kings posted 168 for four, a total the Daredevils never really got near as they laboured to 135 for nine in reply.

Delhi's hopes of a rare away victory were dealt a major blow when they lost Virender Sehwag to just the second delivery of their run chase, Mohit Sharma getting the big-hitting opener caught behind before he'd troubled the scorers.

The same bowler also dismissed Unmukt Chand (16) and although Johan Botha weighed in with 23, the Daredevils found themselves five down with only 63 runs on the board.

David Warner tried to keep them in the hunt with 44, though the Australian was becalmed by his usual standards, facing 37 deliveries for his runs. He'd hit a six and two fours by the time he fell to Albie Morkel (three for 32).

Ravichandran Ashwin and Dwayne Bravo also played their part with the ball, both taking two for 19, as Chennai took over at the summit from the Mumbai Indians.

Openers Michael Hussey (26) and Murali Vijay (31) had given the Super Kings the perfect platform in their innings, putting on 61 before both fell in quick succession.

Suresh Raina managed just seven but Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja (24) shared a fourth-wicket stand worth 57 in 38 deliveries before the latter was bowled by Umesh Yadav.

Dhoni hit four sixes and two fours as he carried on to the end, Bravo adding an unbeaten 12 to get the hosts to a total their bowlers comfortably defended.