BANGALORE, May 24: Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni smashed an unbeaten half-century as two-time defending champions Chennai Super Kings defeated Mumbai Indians by 38 runs on Wednesday night to ensure a clash with Delhi Daredevils for a place in the Indian Premier League final.

Dhoni top-scored with 51 off 20 balls to help Chennai win the “eliminator” game — the equivalent of a quarterfinal — as they amassed an imposing 187-5 and then restricted Mumbai to 149-9.

Dwayne Bravo (33 not out and 2-10) was the other main performer for the winner.

Dhoni capped a fine batting performance by his team, with Bravo helping provide an impetus toward the end of the innings. The pair added 73 runs off just 29 balls, Dhoni smashing two sixes and six fours and Bravo hitting two sixes and three fours off 14 balls.

Earlier, Mike Hussey (49) and Subramaniam Badrinath (47) both excelled in their 39-ball knocks, rescuing Chennai were reduced to 1-2.

“A lot of credit for the win should go to Badri and Hussey,” Dhoni said.

Mumbai’s reply started with West Indian Dwayne Smith showing flourish in his 22-ball 38. But the tempo could not be maintained as the Chennai bowlers made Mumbai struggle for runs and were also backed by some good fielding.

Delhi had lost the first “qualifier” game — played between the top two teams of the league — to Kolkata Knight Riders, but get another chance to make the final in the second “qualifier” against Chennai on Friday.

Mumbai are out of the tournament while Kolkata have already ensured a place in the final slated to be played in Chennai on Sunday because of their win over Delhi.

Summarised scores: CHENNAI SUPER KINGS 187-5 (M.S Dhoni 51*, M.E.K Hussey 49, S Badrinath 47, D.J. Bravo 33 *; D Kulkarni 3-46). MUMBAI INDIANS 149-9 (D.R. Smith 38; D.J. Bravo 2-10, J.A. Morkel 2-31).—AP