TNI Bureau: It’s official now! The Chennai Super Kings defied all odds to make it to the final of the IPL 5 for the third time in a row and fourth time overall. They will take on the Kolkata Knight Riders in the final on May 27.
Dhoni’s CSK had a tough time to reach the playoff. It relied on other results and made a back door entry at the cost of Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bangalore. However, they played like Champions in the playoffs and thrashed Mumbai Indians and Delhi Daredevils by huge margins to reach the grand finale.
In tonight’s battle, CSK dominated Daredevils in every department of the game. In batting, they posted 222/5 in 20 overs with Murali Vijay hitting his second IPL ton. He became the first Indian player to score two IPL hundreds. He scored 113 off 58 balls. Dwayne Bravo remained not out on 33 off 12 balls, while Dhoni scored 23 off 10 balls. Varun Aaron took two wickets.
Chasing a victory target of 223, Delhi Daredevils hardly looked in contest. They finally bowled out for 136 in 16.5 overs. Mahela Jayawardene scored 55. Ashwin took three wickets, while Jakati took two wickets. Vijay was declared ‘Man of the Match’.
Kolkata would be wary of the Chennai Super Kings in the final, as this is their debut final, while CSK has made it fourth time. Also, CSK will eye a hat-trick this time, as they have already won the titles in 2010 and 2011.