SEMIFINAL 2 - Chennai v Punjab

The second semi final of the IPL competition was not much more competitive than the first, with Kings XI Punjab stuttering to a total well short of par, and the Chennai Super Kings taking care of business with the minimum of fuss.  

As often happens in 20/20, when a side batting first gets into serious trouble, the pace of the game slows down and they are allowed to limp to a total around 100-120 – perhaps they would have been better to fire out and take a long shot on getting 140...

SEMIFINAL 1 - Delhi v Rajasthan

An utterly comprehensive victory for the Rajasthan Royals saw them through to the final on Sunday, with a crushing win by 105 runs.  

They batted well up front, and were supported by significant contributions all the way down their order - with all-rounder of the tournament Shane Watson hitting 52 runs and taking three wickets to boot...  

Punjab v Rajasthan, game 56

If these two teams end up contesting the final and you fancy sitting in the stands to enjoy a few adult beverages, best wear a helmet.   22 sixes were struck in this game, many of them buzzing into the stands at throat height, and the entertainment continued right until the last couple of overs as the Royals fell short.

They won’t be disheartened however, as without Warne, Tanvir and Graeme Smith they could probably claim to be missing three of their four best players, and feel good about any rematch in the final game...

Bangalore v Mumbai, game 55

In a match shortened by rain to 18 overs per side, Mumbai proved their superiority by strangling the life out of a disappointing Bangalore side, running out easy victors by nine wickets.     There will be plenty of players flying off home now, for a rest, a period of reflection, and to buy some shiny new cars, one assumes.

The Bangalore innings started poorly, descended into a dismal effort, but was dragged back into a total approaching respectability in the latter overs...