Rising Pune Supergiant claimed the last spot in the Indian Premier League play-offs with ease on Sunday as they thrashed Kings XI Punjab by nine wickets.
The scenario had been simple for both sides going into the match on the final day of the league part of the campaign. Whoever won would join Mumbai Indians, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Riders in the knockout stages.
It was Pune who stepped up when it mattered as Punhjab crumbled with the bat, bowled out for 73 in 15.5 overs after being put in by the hosts, and they won with eight overs to spare on 74-1, with Ajinkya Rahane (34 not out) and captain Steve Smith (15 not out) seeing them home.
Pune’s reward for their victory is taking second spot in the final standings and earning a place in Tuesday’s Qualifier 1 match against league winners and 2015 champions Mumbai Indians.
Whoever prevails in that match will take a spot in next Sunday’s final in Hyderabad.
The loser will get a second chance to reach the final in the Qualifier 2 match on Friday in Bangalore.
They will face the winner of Wednesday’s Eliminator match, also in Bangalore, between last year’s champions Hyderabad, and the 2012 and 2014 victors Kolkata.
In yesterday’s other match, a dead rubber, Royal Challengers Bangalore beat Delhi Daredevils by 10 runs. It was only Bangalore’s third victory from 14 matches.
* The National staff
Indian Premier League play-off fixtures
All matches at 6.30pm (UAE)
Tuesday
• Qualifier 1: Mumbai Indians v Rising Pune Supergiant
Wednesday
• Eliminator: Sunrisers Hyderabad v Kolkata Knight Riders
Friday
• Qualifier 2: Loser Q1 v Eliminator winner
Sunday
• Final: Winner Q1 v Q2
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