Kochi bundled out of IPL
The Kochi Tuskers Kerala have been bundled out of the 2011 IPL after a 12 run defeat to the Chennai Super Kings.
Taking on the Tuskers in their maiden IPL run, reigning champions the Super Kings went on to secure their seventh consecutive win in front of a home crowd.
Batting first the Kings posted 5/152 from their 20 overs - David Hussey belting 32 off 37 and Wriddhiman Saha coming away with an unbeaten 46 whilst Victorian Brad Hodge took what was to be his last wicket for the tournament (1/24 from three overs).
Kochi's innings got off to a poor start with opener Parthiv Patel bundled out for a disappointing six.
Brendon Mc Cullum (33) and Gnaneswara Rao held the fort before Rao fell victim to Dwayne Bravo - caught and bowled for 19.
Despite his 51 off 42 deliveries, Hodge's attempt to lift the run rate and get his team back on track proved in vain without support from the middle order.
Ending their inaugural IPL campaign 12 runs short of a win, the Tuskers bowed out of finals contention at 5/141.
With only six qualifying matches left, the IPL is getting down to the business end.
There are five sides vying for the four positions in the finals. Royal Challengers Bangalore (1st) and the Chennai Super Kings (2nd) have guaranteed their spots in the finals whilst the Mumbai Indians (3rd), Kolkata Knight Riders (4th) and Kings XI Punjab (5th) are still yet to cement their places.
The two final qualifying games will be blockbusters with Bangalore and Chennai meeting in a potential final preview while the final match between Kolkata and Mumbai will be a must win for both teams.
Despite being third on the table, Mumbai Indians are still favourites to take out this year's title.
Mumbai have been lead by their marquee players, Sachin Tendulkar (408 runs), Lasith Malinga (27 wickets) and Harbhajan Singh (13 wickets) and will continue to look to them for match winning performances.
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