Faf du Plessis continued to impress in the IPL, setting the tone with a half-century that guided the Chennai Super Kings to their eighth IPL final in 10 years.
It was a dominant win for the defending champions in a balanced performance that once again involved contributions from two Proteas superstars.
Imran Tahir was useful to CSK’s bowling effort once again. Although not at his dominant wicket-taking best, taking just 1-28, he was vital to his side in applying pressure in the middle overs. When Tahir finished his spell, the Delhi Capitals were on 116-6 after 17.
This took him to 24 wickets for the season, just one behind Kagiso Rabada, who tops the charts despite his withdrawal from the competition two games before the qualifiers.
WATCH: Tahir takes 24th wicket
DC batted bravely to take themselves to a competitive total of 148-9.
CSK’s chase was led by Proteas skipper Du Plessis. He scored a 39-ball 50, including seven fours and a six. He suppressed the initial pressure, but lost his wicket with his side on 81.
This innings took Du Plessis to 370 runs in the tournament, 10 behind his best-ever runs total in an IPL season.
Q2: CSK vs DC – Faf du Plessis Six https://t.co/yIumLb0aGH via @ipl
— SA Cricket magazine (@SACricketmag) May 10, 2019
Shane Watson followed Du Plessis’ lead, and scored a 31-ball 50 before losing his wicket with CSK on 109.
This brought the Capitals back into the contest.
Ambati Rayudu (19), MS Dhoni (nine) and Dwayne Bravo (four) squashed all the danger to seal a six-wicket win.
This ended the Delhi Capitals’ campaign. This also put an end to Chris Morris’ tournament, who was recently called up to the Proteas’ World Cup side. DC opted not to select him in the match against CSK.
The Chennai Super Kings will meet the Mumbai Indians in the IPL final on Sunday, with both sides looking for their fourth championship win.
Photo: Chennai Super Kings/IPL/BCCI
