Mumbai Indians could never compete once MS Dhoni blasted 51 off 20 to take Chennai Super Kings to 187. Chennai will now play Delhi for a place in the final.

Such is the knockout format of the IPL that a side that won eight and lost seven games during the league stage now has a chance to win the tournament. When as many as four out of nine teams - eight during the first three seasons - make the playoffs, such things are bound to happen. Chennai Super Kings, the defending champions, happen to be that side this season.

Mumbai Indians would hope to keep a clean slate against a lucky Chennai Super Kings while the defending champions would be eyeing revenge when both the sides meet in what promises to be a thrilling eliminator in the Indian Premier League on Wednesday.

Defending champions Chennai Super Kings, who had very inconsistent journey to the playoffs, have finally made it in top 4. After their loss to Kings XI Punjab in their last league match, there fate depended on the results of other matches of the tournament. And here's it how they made it to the qualifiers:

The Indian Premier League heads for a thrilling climax this week when the play-offs take place to determine the champions of this season's popular Twenty20 tournament.

Dwayne Smith may have produced a blistering 58-ball unbeaten 87 at the top of the order but Mumbai Indians skipper Harbhajan Singh said on Sunday that the IPL outfit is still looking to get the right opening combination.

It was a clear message to the play-off opposition - Chennai Super Kings - from Mumbai Indians. A 10-wicket win with the highest opening-stand ever in the Indian Premier League, against Rajasthan Royals showed Mumbai Indians are ready to play the eliminator round. A statistical look at their resounding win in Jaipur on Sunday.

Deccan Chargers' win against Royal Challengers Bangalore on Sunday was more of a triumph for another team - Chennai Super Kings. The visitors in Hyderabad lost by 9 runs to clear the way for MS Dhoni and his side to find a spot in the play-offs. A look at the statistical highlights from the match.

Kings XI Punjab beat Chennai Super Kings by 6 wickets in their IPL match at Dharamsala. Chasing a total of 120 runs, Punjab finished at 123/4 with 21 balls to spare.

On a three-match winning streak, Chennai Super Kings will look to seal their play-off berth when they take on an erratic Kings XI Punjab in a crucial preliminary match of the IPL on Thursday.