Chennai secures semi-final berth

Chennai Super Kings has reached the semi-finals of the DLF Indian Premier League (IPL) by beating Deccan Chargers in match 54 at Hyderabad which was also the last league game for both teams. With the Mahendra Singh Dhoni-led Chennai team sealing its semi-final berth, Mumbai Indians has been relegated out of contention for the knock-out round now.

The Hyderabad side was unable to win the last home game too as the batting line-up fell apart as a result of a disciplined Chennai bowling attack who dismissed the two openers Adam Gilchrist and Herschelle Gibbs early in the game leaving the team struggling at 15/2. Scott Styris and Venugopal Rao kept working hard between the wickets to keep the scoreboard ticking. But Muttiah Muralidaran managed to get the better of Styris after the duo had put on a good partnership. Ravi Teja also complemented Rao very well and both batsmen brought up the fifty-run partnership in 37 balls.

But Dhoni’s perseverance paid off when Albie Morkel dismissed Teja and soon after, Rao was run out by a lightning-quick effort in the field. Both dismissals came off consecutive deliveries and it was three in three with Morkel able to get Arjun Yadav’s stumps in disarray. Shahid Afridi failed to make any impact but RP Singh hung around to get his team to a total of 147.

Lakshmipathy Balaji and Albie Morkel picked 2 wickets apiece while three other bowlers took a wicket each.

The Super Kings opened with Stephen Fleming and Parthiv Patel; the duo seemed all set to give their side a blazing start, especially with the flurry of boundaries they hit initiall. But Fleming was dismissed by Vijaykumar in the third over and Patel too failed to capitalize on the start when he got out on 20.

Suresh Raina and Dhoni managed to develop a good stand between them. The captain didn’t show any signs of discomfort while batting even though he had suffered a bruised ankle. Raina gave his skipper good company at the other end. They brought up their 50-run partnership off 36 balls but the captain soon departed from the crease thanks to Pragyan Ojha.

Just like some of the recent IPL matches, this game almost went down to the wire as well. But Suresh Raina's composure and an overall clinical performance from the visitors saw Chennai Super Kings securing a victory in this must-win encounter against Deccan Chargers.

Deccan Chargers finished the tournament at a dismal eighth spot with just two wins to its credit. Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Daredevils and Kings XI Punjab are the three other teams to have qualified for the semi-finals to be played at Mumbai on May 30 and 31.