Nitish Rana smashed 81 runs, and Wanindu Hasaranga, put up a strong bowling spell that helped Rajasthan Royals beat Chennai Super Kings by six runs in a thrilling Indian Premier League clash on Sunday.

Rana set the stage on fire in the Assam stadium by hitting 36-ball 81 runs, an innings laced with 10 boundaries and five sixes.

Skipper Riyan Parag added 37 runs in the innings to remain the second-highest scorer for Rajasthan outfit.

West Indian Shimron Hetmyer contributed quick-fire 19.

Khaleel Ahmed (2/38) and Matheesha Pathirana (2/28) shone with the ball for Chennai and restricted Rajasthan to 182 runs for the loss of nine wickets.

Chasing  183 for victory, Chennai suffered an early jolt by losing the wicket of opener Rachin Ravindra (0).

Chennai captain Ruturaj Gaikwad (63) took charge of the innings and carried Chenni's ship forward.

Rahul Tripathi (23) and Ravindra Jadeja (32*) could not take the match to a winning conclusion, with even MS Dhoni falling for 16.

Dhoni's departure in the last over ended CSK's last chance to win.

Hasaranga picked up for wickets for Rajasthan.

CSK's innings ended at 176 runs for the loss of six wikcets in 20 overs.