With the help of captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s last innings and disciplined bowling, Chennai Super Kings came close to making it to the IPL playoffs by registering a 27-run win over Delhi Capitals on Wednesday.
Dhoni, who scored a nine-ball 20, shared a crucial 38-run partnership for the seventh wicket with Ravindra Jadeja, who made 21 to take Chennai to 167-8.
Sri Lankan pacer Mathisha Pathirana took three wickets to help restrict Delhi to 140-8 as Chennai consolidated their second spot in the 10-team table with seven wins from 12 matches.
David Warner-led Delhi, who started the season with five losses, remain at the bottom of the standings and are out of contention for the play-offs.
The top four teams qualify for the play-offs.