Sehwag's 122 helps Kings defeat CSK to reach IPL final

Posting a massive 226 for six on the scorecard, Kings XI Punjab restricted their opponents to 202 for seven after 20 overs.

It was Sehwag's dominance and all-round performance by Kings men which made all the difference on Friday night as they prevented CSK from booking the ticket for the final against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on June 1.

Wankhede Stadium witnessed the ability of Sehwag for which the world has known him in the paradigm of cricket as he smashed 12 boundaries and eight sixes in his  knock.

With a strike rate of over 200, Sehwag, whose masterful touches with the willow was not seen by the world  for long time, was waiting for this crucial match to demolish the opposition.

Sehwag and Manan Vohra (34) gave Kings a dream start as both posted 110 runs in the opening stand.

David Miller remained the second top-scorer for Kings with his 38.

Ashish Nehra picked up two wickets for CSK.

CSK made a good start to the massive run chase despite losing the wicket of Faf du Plessis (0) early.

Suresh Raina was quick in scoring runs as he competed with Virender Sehwag in snatching the match away from the grip of Kings to CSK's pocket.

A 25-ball 87 by Raina helped CSK reach 100 runs within six overs as any Chennai fans expected at that point the team will easily reach the target with such good depth in their batting lineup.

But it was good bowling coupled with impressive fielding by Kings and  a CSK's poor show with the bat which spoiled the party for the former winners.

Raina's run out in the first ball of the seventh over changed the scenario completely. He had hit 12 boundaries and six sixes in his knock.

Brendon McCullum  contributed only 13 runs while Ravindra Jadeja (27) failed to convert the start he got in the match. Adding more troubles for CSK, David Hussey departed by contributing only 1 run.

Till the end it was only a lone man battle by MS Dhoni, who unlike several other occasions could not snatch a victory on his own this time, and remained unbeaten at 42.

He smashed three boundary and three sixes, including one in the last ball of the innings, in his 31-ball knock.

Known for his ability to turn matches and chase down targets alone, Dhoni's magic did not work out in Mumbai on Friday night.

Parvinder Awana picked up two wickets for Kings while Akshar Patel bowled an economical four overs where he gave away only 23 runs but took a wicket.

Kings defeated in all the three meetings in this season of IPL.

Though tasted defeat at the hands of KKR in the first qualifier this week, Kings will meet the same opponent in the final on Sunday.

While KKR has won the trophy once, Kings have not lifted it so far.

Brief scorecard:

Kings XI Punjab 226 for six in 20 overs (V Sehwag 122; A Nehra 2-51)

CSK 202 for seven in 20 overs (S Raina 87; P Awana 2-59)