CSK vs Kings XI, 54th match at Durban, IPL, May 20 2009 - Match Result

An excellent comeback from Chennai. Just two Punjab batsmen got to double figures, that was the level of control the Chennai spinners exerted - in favourable conditions no doubt, but Punjab had limited Chennai to a low enough score to ensure a qualification for the semis. They left the acceleration for too late, and only Pomersbach came close to posing some kind of a challenge.

The three spinners bagged six wickets for 38 runs in 12 overs, and it was after the timeout that they really gained the stranglehold. Punjab were 40-odd for 2 halfway through their innings - Chennai had lost four wickets at the same stage when they were batting - but the frequent use of variations, especially by Murali, and excellent support from Raina and Ashwin - whose inclusion paid off - resulted in a hapless reply from Punjab.

At no stage in their innings did they look dominant, and the abject surrender marked a massive waste of an ideal opportunity to go up second on the points table. Chennai have taken the No.2 spot. We'll get you the details from the presentation now.

Yuvraj: "We needed that win, we are pretty disappointed. Unfortunately for us, nobody got going. We didn't get a good partnership, the wicket was two-paced, and we've got ourselves to blame. We enjoyed playing in South Africa. We need to win games when we get into a good position, but we didn't do that today."

Dhoni: "Ashwin was brilliant throughout. Murali put pressure on the opposition, and them playing him cautiously was a mistake. We got off to a good start, both Gony and Thushara started well. We were a batsman short this game, but in the next game when Albie will be fit, we'll be a better batting side."

Murali is the Man of the Match for his superb spell.

Murali: "I tried to bowl line and length. The spinners bowled really well, and the pressure got to them. Sometimes it is easy to contain when you're defending lower totals. Raina's done well in this tournament, and he should keep going."

A lot of feedback from you guys about Punjab still, theoretically, having a chance of making it to the semis. While that may be true, one just needs to have a glance at their net run-rate, and you guys can then decide what's the likelihood of them making it to the next stage.

Hope you enjoyed the coverage. Thanks for tuning in and sending us your feedback. Do join us again tomorrow for another double header. Until then, it's goodbye from all of us at Cricinfo. Cheers.

Last ball coming up

Balaji to bowl the last over. Possibly, the last over for Punjab in this tournament

Thushara comes back on

48 needed off 18. The regret is writ large in the dug out, what a slip-up. Balaji comes on, many of your prayers are answered

Chawla to face