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Rajasthan Royals win inaugural IPL title

02/06/2008

The Rajasthan Royals have beaten the Chennai Super Kings to win the inaugural Indian Premier League final in Mumbai.

The Royals, coached by former Australia and Hampshire spinner Shane Warne, edged a narrow encounter in the showpiece of the high-profile Twenty20 tournament, which began in April.

Chennai batted first and made 163-5 in their innings, as youngster Suresh Raina top-scored with 43 alongside other useful contributions from Parthiv Patel (38) and captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni (29 not out).

However, all rounder Yusuf Pathan was the star for the Royals - taking 3-22 as the Super Kings were restricted to a very gettable total.

Pathan (56) then set about performing heroics on the other side of the ball after his side had been reduced to 44-3 after seven overs.

He made a half-century and guided Rajasthan to within touching distance of the end before he was dismissed, setting up a nervous finish.

Shane Watson (28) and Swapnil Asnodkar (28) also chipped in with useful innings, before they were both run out.

But Sohail Tanvir (nine not out) and captain Warne (nine not out) held their nerves, with Tanvir grabbing a single off the final ball to seal victory.