Faf steers CSK into final

Faf du Plessis scored a match-winning half-century to help Chennai Super Kings (CSK) reach their seventh Indian Premier League final on Tuesday.

The two-time champions defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad by two wickets in a low-scoring thriller at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

It was not a good outing for Bangladesh's ace all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan as he scored just 12 in Sunrisers' innings and was then taken for 20 off his two overs during Chennai's chase.

CSK will now play the summit clash on Sunday, whereas Sunrisers have to face the winners of the Eliminator between Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals in the Qualifier 2 for the second shot on the final on Friday.

Du Plessis completed the run chase with a six as CSK chased down the 140-run target in 19.1 overs. The South African remained unbeaten on 67 off 42 balls, which included four sixes and five fours, and added unconquered 27 runs off 8 balls with Shardul Thakur (15 off 5 balls).

Earlier, CSK bowling attack utilised lively pitch to the fullest as they restricted Sunrisers to a modest 139/7.

Carlos Brathwaite (43* off 29 balls), skipper Kane Willamson (24) and Yusuf Pathan (24) were the useful contributors for Sunrisers on a track that offered good bounce.

SCORES IN BRIEF

Sunrisers Hyderabad: 139 for 7 in 20 overs (Williamson 24, Pathan 24, Brathwaite 43 not out; Bravo 2-25)

Chennai Super Kings: 140 for 8 in 19.1 overs (Du Plessis 67 not out, Raina 22, Thakur 15 not out; Sharma 2-30, Kaul 2-32, Rashid 2-11)

Result: Chennai Super Kings won by 2 wickets.