Klaasen, spinners standouts as Sunrisers march into final

LEFT-ARM spinner Shahbaz Ahmed's 3 for 23 and Heinrich Klaasen's valuable 50 paved the way for Sunrisers Hyderabad to defeat Rajasthan Royals by 36 runs in the Qualifier 2 and storm into the final of the IPL at the MA Chidambaram Stadium here on Friday.

- ASHOK VENUGOPAL

Hyderabad will meet Kolkata Knight Riders in the final on Sunday.

Shahbaz was aided in his task by Abhishek Sharma, who picked up two wickets for 24 runs. Hyderabad team's selfbelief and ability to fight spirit helped them secure this creditable victory.

Pat Cummins' experience of leading Australia came in handy as he employed his spinners Shahbaz and Abhishek, at both ends. This proved to be a masterstroke as Rajasthan middle-order were undone by the slower bowlers. The duo bowled five overs at a stretch and accounted for four wickets giving away just 24 runs, which played a massive part in Hyderabad's win.