Chennai's MS Dhoni won the toss and sent the Royals in to bat first, where Steve Smith experimented with his team by opening the batting.

The former Australian captain scored 69 with Sanju Samson firing 74 from just 32 deliveries. The Royals finished their innings with a flourish with Jofra Archer smashing 27 from just 8 balls as they reached 216/7 in their allotted 20 overs.

Chennai started slowly and lost wickets at regular intervals, but a late blast from former Proteas captain, Faf du Plessis, made a contest out of the game.

He was eventually dismissed for 72 from 37 deliveries as Chennai only managed 200 in their allotted 20 overs, handing the Rajasthan Royals a 16-run win.

Wednesday's game will see the Kolkata Knight Riders begin their campaign against the Mumbai Indians at 16h00 in Dubai.

@SamLudidi OFM Sport