The Chennai Super Kings sealed second place in the Indian Premier League standings with a big win over the Delhi Capitals, while the Lucknow Super Giants progressed to the eliminator with their one-run win over Kolkata.
MS Dhoni and company proved their mettle yet again by making the playoffs for the 12th time in 14 seasons of competing in the league, with a fifth title well in their sights.
The men in yellow batted first against Delhi and scored an emphatic 223 for the loss of just three wickets with Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway both starting brilliantly at the top of the order.
In reply, the Capitals could only amass 146/9, despite David Warner getting to an outstanding 86 off 58 deliveries.
The win for Chennai ended the hopes held by other teams dreaming of a top two finish, with the Super Kings set to take on defending champions Gujarat Titans in qualifier one on Tuesday.
The winner there will progress directly to the final, while the loser will face-off against the winner of Wednesday’s eliminator, which feature teams finishing third and fourth.
Lucknow Super Giants were unable to close the run rate gap between themselves and Chennai, however their thrilling last ball win over Kolkata Knight Riders did secure them a spot in the eliminator.
With their fortunes in their own hands, Royal Challengers Bangalore will conclude the league stage when they face a do or die match against the the Titans on Sunday evening. A win will guarantee them fourth spot.
Should they lose, however, the space will open up for either the Rajasthan Royals (run-rate dependent) or the Mumbai Indians, who take on already eliminated Hyderabad in Sunday’s early game.
Pictured above: Chennai Super Kings
Image source: @IPL
