Chennai: Richard Levi of Mumbai Indians who played a destructive innings against the defending champions Chennai Super Kings in the first match of IPL-5 said that his opening partner Sachin Tendulkar provided the calmness he needed.

Levi, who made headlines after hitting the fastest hundred in T20 Internationals for South Africa against New Zealand, smashed 50 off 35 balls to help Mumbai Indians chase down Super Kings' 112 with ease.

The 24-year-old felt the fresh pitch at Chepauk was good for batting and Sachin's presence at the other end made things easier for him.

"It was fantastic batting with him. He was such a calming figure out there and so easy to talk to," said Levi, who shared a 69-run stand with Sachin before the master blaster retired hurt as a sharp Doug Bollinger delivery hit his gloves.

On Sachin's injury, Levi said: "Sachin should be fine soon. There was some bleeding in his fingers. He will be going for a scan but it should be okay."

Talking about the pitch, he said: "It (the ball) came on nicely on to the bat. One or two bounced a lot though." (IANS)