Dream ends for Bangalore

Dale Steyn picked up the crucial wicket of Chris Gayle

JP Duminy: Top scored with 74 for the Deccan Chargers

Bangalore's Indian Premier League play-off hopes ended on Sunday with a nine-run defeat to the Deccan Chargers .

Needing a win to force themselves into the top four, the Royal Challengers looked to be in a decent position after winning the toss and taking the field as the Chargers slipped to 51-4 on a bowler friendly pitch.

But Jean-Paul Duminy blasted four fours and five sixes in an innings of 74 to help Deccan post a total of 132-7.

Vinay Kumar was the pick of the bowlers for the visitors, claiming 3-22 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.

In reply, Bangalore opener Chris Gayle began his innings in typically brash fashion, plundering three fours and two sixes in his 10-ball 27.

He was bowled by Dale Steyn, who took three wickets for just eight runs in his four overs, while skipper Virat Kohli anchored the Challengers' innings until he departed for 42

Number four Saurabh Tiwary (30) was the last man in the side to reach double figures, as a steady flow of wickets undermined the Challengers run chase.

In the end the visitors fell just short against the IPL's basement side, reaching 123 with a wicket to spare at the end of their 20 overs.

The defeat means that Chennai Super Kings will join Delhi Daredevils, Kolkata Knight Riders and Mumbai Indians in the play-offs.

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