Raina’s heroics takes CSK to the final

We witnessed an epic game yesterday in the first play-offs as CSK won a thriller and now proceed to the finals [SCORECARD]. It was a game worthy of the final as more than 350 runs was scored in the match that ended in a last over finish.  But the real reason I'll remember this match is that two young Indian players came to the fore in a crunch game.

The game started evenly with RCB scoring at a healthy rate but losing Gayle early.  Ashwin once again showed his class and temperament as he bowled a brilliant spell.  Young Agarwal looked good and along with Vice captain Kohli, steadied the ship and gave the ideal platform.  AB de Villiers didn't stay long but the next man in Luke Pomersbach with his muscles and western Australian habit of playing the horizontal shots easily, played some spectacular shots to resurrect the run rate.  Doug Bollinger, another CSK star who bowled brilliantly destroyed Luke's furniture in the 17th over with the score at 133 for 4.  However with a settled in Kohli, and an out of confidence bowler in Morkel, the final total turned out to be an imposing 175.  Ashwin who bowled beautifully took a heavy hit on his head and looked dazed for the reminder of the match. 

CSK started off in the worst way possible.  They lost both their openers with the score still at 7.  Badrinath was promoted as expected and he along with Raina strung together a partnership trying to revive the team.  Zaheer Khan bowled beautifully and as he gave away only 11 off his 3.  Doubt whether he expected his next over to go for 20.  Vettori was having an off-day and CSK still looked to have an outside chance.  At Badrinath's dismissal the score was 70 for 3.  Raina and Dhoni then put down their feet on the accelerator.  With some towering sixes and poor bowling on RCB's side CSK looked to have still a chance.  Dhoni's wicket provided no respite as Morkel played a cameo of 28 off just 10 balls taking his team home.  Raina finished on 73.

CSK once again proved their class and their ability to play the important pressure moments better than any team.  RCB thanks to their good deeds earlier live to fight on another day for that place in the finals.