Chennai Super Kings left it late but managed to secure a place in the Indian Premier League final with a three-wicket win over Royal Challengers Bangalore in the second qualifier at Ranchi on Friday.
Chasing 140 after Bangalore scored 139 for eight in their 20 overs, Chennai lost Dwayne Smith cheaply for 17 and had a stutter when they lost Faf du Plessis and Suresh Raina in the space of three balls.
Michael Hussey, who led with 56, and MS Dhoni (26) guided Chennai home, and Ravichandran Ashwin hit the winning run with a ball to spare.
Dhoni told ESPN CricInfo that 140 “is that kind of score where you don’t know whether to go after the bowlers or keep wickets in hand”.
“Credit to Ashwin,” he said, “I felt he bowled really well and was well-supported by the fast bowlers.”
Chris Gayle led Bangalore with 41 but did not hit full stride as Dhoni kept his left-arm spinners away from the opener. Ashwin took 1-14 in four overs and Ashish Nehra had 3-28.
Chennai will face Mumbai Indians in the final in Kolkata on Sunday. Mumbai won by 25 runs when the two met in the first qualifier on May 19.
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