The last of the matches before the big final of the great event called IPL, this match was a fixture between the Chennai Super Kings and the Kings XI Punjab. Though the latter team was seen to be in great form all throughout the tournament, the Punjab team were sent off packing after this clinical display of performance by the Chennai Super Kings. The Chennai team won the match by 9 wickets with 31 balls still remaining.
The Kings XI Punjab won the toss and chose to bat first. This may be cited as a reason of their defeat but what can be said now. The team lost its wickets at a regular interval which fared bad for the team. After the innings started, the first wicket was lost on a score of 8 in the second over itself and it was Hopes who made 2 runs. the next fall happened in the third and the next in the fifth. The top order and middle order of the team was destroyed largely by Ntini and Gony. Marsh was the fourth one lost and he made 23 runs off 17 balls. Out of the lower order of the team, it was Chawla and Powar who made 25 and 28 runs respectively and the meager score of 112 runs was erected by the Punjab team. Ntini, Gony and Morkel obtained 2 wickets each against Punjab.
The target of 113 runs was no big an issue for the Chennai team and it was only one wicket that was lost in conquering this target. It was the third over when Vidyut was dismissed by Pathan on 6 runs. Patel, the other opener however handled the situation well along with Raina who replaced Vidyut. Patel scored 51 runs off 48 balls whereas Raina scored 55 runs off 34 balls. The team overcame the target in 14.5 overs. Ntini was awarded the man of the match. The team will now play against the Rajasthan Royals in the finals tomorrow.
