In 2nd semi-final of IPL at Wankhade Stadium Mumbai, Chennai Superkings totally outclassed Kings XI Punjab to enter finals. As first semi-final this match too turned out to be totally one sided.

After winning the toss and electing themselves to bat Kings XI Punjab were completely taken by surprise cunning game plan of Chennai. Muralitharan bowled the first over, followed by hit-the-deck short balls from Chennai pacers and never really allowed Punjab batsmen to score freely. It seems the SuperKings had taken a leaf out Rajasthan’s strategy on previous day. And it paid off really well, as they got the ‘orange-cap’ bearer Shaun Marsh early in the innings. Other key batsmen also followed the suit either by playing poor shots or by suicidal run-outs making it as an absolute harakiri. Then, with the help of some late shots by Romesh Powar Kings XI managed to get past 100 run mark and set the target of 113 for Chennai.

Chasing a modest total, Chennai started the run chase in a circumspect manner and lost only 1-wicket in power-play phase. After sustaining the initial attack, Parthiv Patel(51 n.o.) holding the one end and Suresh Raina(55 n.o.) playing some flamboyant strokes the other end completed the formalities.

For Chennai Superkings it’s going to be grand finale with the table leaders Rajasthan. And from counter perspective this results marks the end of IPL campaign for King-XI-Punjab, for a perfect franchise team; owned by a celebrity and with good mix of international, experienced, talented and young players. It really was not their day.