The Chennai Super Kings have remained the IPL champions after beating the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the final on Saturday.

Michael Hussey and Murali Vijay came out to bat at the typically humid Chepauk and spectators were expecting something special from their home side The Kings. But even the most loyal of fans would not have imagined what came next. A charmed opening partnership, that featured Hussey’s half-century (63 off 45) and a near-ton by Vijay (95 off 52), took the hosts to the unassailable position of 159 for no loss. Bludgeoning the RCB bowlers to every direction possible, the duo left the visitors already dreaming of one of those Gayle specials that would miraculously win them the chase.

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A devastating Adam Gilchrist hit a blistering 106 runs off 55 balls to help the Kings XI Punjab set an unattainable 232 target for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL on Tuesday. The 206-run stand between Adam Gilchrist and Shaun Marsh set up a 111-run win for Kings.

The Australian pair put on the record Twenty20 partnership in 96 balls on Tuesday, propelling Punjab to a season-high total of 2-232 in Dharamsala.

Captain Gilchrist (106 off 55 balls) and Marsh (unbeaten 79 off 49 balls) smashed the Bangalore attack to all parts of the ground after the wicketkeeper had elected to bat first.

The Royal Challengers were never in the chase, particularly after opener Chris Gayle was dismissed for a seven-ball duck in the second over, and they were skittled for 121 with three overs remaining.

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