IPL: Super Kings beat Delhi Capitals to book spot in final

Chennai Super Kings booked their ninth final in 12 appearances in the Indian Premier League, after an exciting four-wicket win over Delhi Capitals in Qualifier One on Sunday in Dubai.

In a clash of the top two sides from the League, Chennai Super Kings held their nerves to overhaul a target of 173 with two balls remaining.

While they head to Friday’s championship game, Capitals will now await the winner of tomorrow’s Eliminator between Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bangalore, whom they face in Wednesday’s second Qualifier.

Capitals posted 172-5 with Prithvi Shaw leading the way with 60 off 34 balls. However, with his dismissal, they were shakily placed at 80-4 at the halfway mark.

Skipper Rishabh Pant and Shimron Hetmyer then steadied the innings with a partnership of 83 to give the Delhi bowlers a target to defend. Pant, who brought up his fifty off the final ball of the innings, ended on 51 off 35, while Hetmyer made a breezy 37 off 24.

Josh Hazlewood took 2-29.

Ruturaj Gaikwad (70 off 50) and Robin Uthappa (63 off 44) laid the foundation for victory with a second wicket stand of 110, and despite some anxious moments at the backend, CSK got home with two balls remaining.

With 13 needed off the final over bowled by Tom Curran, Mahendra Singh Dhoni struck three fours to seal the contest. Curran picked up 3-29.