Dhoni powers CSK to the semifinals

When I started writing this post, the KXIP looked like all set to spoil the party for the CSK here at Dharmasala. By the time I was close to half way, Dhoni just blasted his team to a tremendus victory from a hopeless position. The KXIP batted first and put up a huge total (192 for 3) in a match where the CSK had everything to play for. The only incentive for the KXIP here was that they wanted to finish the IPL edition three on a high note. Shaun Marsh top scored for them with an unbeaten 88 from 57 balls. Irfan Pathan, with an useful contribution of 44 off 27 balls made sure that his team gets there, despite of yet another dissapointing inning from Yuvraj Singh.

When Chennai came out to bat, they were banking on Mathew Hayden and Murali Vijay to provide them with a flying start in the power play. That didn't happen, but Suresh Raina, continuing his golden form this season, smashed  46 off 27 balls to keep them in the hunt. Then Badrinath played an excellent knock of 53 in 36 balls. Even after these useful contributions from the atop order, the CSK needed 29 out of the last 12 balls and eventually 16 off the final over. It was left to non other than their skipper Dhoni to get those runs all by himself, which he did by scoring a 29 ball half century.

When he hosted Irfan Pathan for two consecutive sixes to cross over the finishing mark, we saw an emotional outburst from the coolest player on earth. "Yes", he yelled. punching his helmet.

They were in the semis, even though just before a few minutes it looked like adieu for them. Now they are back in the reckonings to go all the way. It would require a helluva lot hard work for them though.