Harris leads Deccan's charge

Ryan Harris was instrumental in Australia's clinical show in New Zealand last month. And it seems, he has carried his bowling form on to the Indian Premier League.

Harris took three wickets in a splendid spell to help Deccan Chargers register a convincing six-wicket win against Chennai Super Kings and keep their hopes alive of making it to the semi-finals.

After Chennai won the toss and elected to bat first, the Aussie pacer claimed three for 20 in his four overs, to keep them down to a paltry 138 for eight in their 20 overs.

Suresh Raina was the standout performer for Chennai scoring yet another half-century -- 52 from 42 balls.

Chennai were off to a good start initially, scoring almost ten runs per over, but were pegged back by some good tight bowling from Harris, Harmeet Singh and Pragyan Ojha.  

In reply, the batting was led by T Suman, who continued his good recent form as he top scored with 55 from 44 balls, and Andrew Symonds hit a quick 27, as Deccan scored 139 for four in 19.1 overs to win by six wickets.

With the win, Deccan are now in contention for a place in the semi-finals with 10 points from 11 matches, the same as Chennai.

Photograph: IPL/Getty Images