CHENNAI, India – Richard Levi hit a 35-ball 50 to guide Mumbai Indians to an easy eight-wicket win over defending champion Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL) opening match Wednesday.
The South African, who smashed the fastest T20 century off 45 balls against New Zealand at Hamilton in February, cracked three sixes and six fours on his IPL debut as Mumbai surpassed Chennai’s total of 112 with 19 balls to spare.
Levi, 24, put his team on course for victory with a 69-run stand for the first wicket with Sachin Tendulkar (16).
Brief scores:
Chennai Super Kings 112 in 19.5 overs (S. Raina 36; K. Pollard 2-15, L. Malinga 2-16, P. Ojha 2-17) lost to Mumbai Indians 115-2 in 16.5 overs (R. Levi 50, J. Franklin 25 not out) by eight wickets.