IPL 2013: Change in tactics helped Murali Vijay against Punjab

Murali Vijay played a confident run-a-ball knock worth fifty against Kings XI Punjab as the Chennai Super Kings eased to their first win of the tournament, a ten-wicket hammering of the hosts in Mohali.

Chasing a moderate target of 139 could have been tricky but the Chennai-born batsman - partnered by Aussie Michael Hussey who hit 86 off 54 - showed good temperament throughout the course of the innings here. "It is a good feeling to take the team to a win. I knew if I stayed at the crease for some time, I could play well," he said after the match.

The two batsmen hit 14 boundaries between them and took the aerial route just thrice. They even complimented each other while taking the more orthodox ones and twos. "Having Hussey at the other end helps a lot. We managed to rotate the strike and that always helps build a chase," said Vijay who had scored just five when his side had lost the opener to Mumbai. "I had played too many shots too early (against Mumbai). The team was a bit low after that match but we came out positive here."

Skipper MS Dhoni too was pleased with the overall effort of his side and mentioned Vijay's knock in particular. "I have always known that he starts a bit slow but catches up as the tournament progresses. It is a good sign for us."

Chennai won Wednesday's match by 10 wickets to collect full points and will now play the Royal Challengers Bangalore at Chepauk this Saturday.