Ryan Harris was instrumental in Australia's [ Images ] clinical show in New Zealand [ Images ] last month. And it seems, he has carried his bowling form on to the Indian Premier League [ Images ].

Harris took three wickets in a splendid spell to help Deccan Chargers [ Images ] register a convincing six-wicket win against Chennai Super Kings [ Images ] and keep their hopes alive of making it to the semi-finals.

After Chennai won the toss and elected to bat first, the Aussie pacer claimed three for 20 in his four overs, to keep them down to a paltry 138 for eight in their 20 overs.

Suresh Raina [ Images ] was the standout performer for Chennai scoring yet another half-century -- 52 from 42 balls.

Chennai were off to a good start initially, scoring almost ten runs per over, but were pegged back by some good tight bowling from Harris, Harmeet Singh and Pragyan Ojha [ Images ].  

In reply, the batting was led by T Suman, who continued his good recent form as he top scored with 55 from 44 balls, and Andrew Symonds [ Images ] hit a quick 27, as Deccan scored 139 for four in 19.1 overs to win by six wickets.

With the win, Deccan are now in contention for a place in the semi-finals with 10 points from 11 matches, the same as Chennai.

Photograph: IPL/Getty Images