IPL: CSK restrict RCB to 139/8

Led by an all-round brilliant bowling performance, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) restricted Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) to a modest total of 139/8 in Qualifier 2 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) being played at the JSCA International Cricket Stadium here on Friday.

Veteran pacer Ashish Nehra once again came good for the two-time IPL champions as he clinched 3/28 in his four overs, including the vital wickets of RCB skipper Virat Kohli (12) and explosive batsman AB de Villiers (1).

The left-armer was well assisted by off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who ended with brilliant bowling figures of 4-0-13-1, scalping Mandeep Singh (4).

The duo did not allow the RCB batsmen to accelerate at all.

Though left-handed opener Chris Gayle top-scored with 41, it wasn't his usual innings as he played 43 balls for that knock which included two boundaries and three sixes.

Two important cameos from wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik (28) and Sarfaraz Khan (31) helped augment RCB's total at the end, but the top order failed to make an impact when it mattered the most.

Good bowling changes and field placements by CSK skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni also proved significant as Mohit Sharma, Suresh Raina and Dwayne Bravo also clinched a wicket each to slow down the run rate.

The winner of the match will proceed to the final to be played at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Sunday. Mumbai Indians have already qualified for the summit clash.