Jadeja cameo seals CSK's thrilling comeback

Ravindra Jadeja hit back-to-back sixes off the last two balls for Chennai Super Kings to beat Kolkata and spoil the Knight Riders' playoff hopes in the Indian Premier League.

Scorecard: Chennai Super Kings v Kolkata Knight Riders

Needing seven off the last two balls from Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Jadeja smashed the penultimate ball from the young paceman over deep midwicket to tie the score.

With one then needed off the last ball, Jadeja pulled Nagarkoti over wide long on for another maximum and pointed to his name on his jersey in delight, having scored the decisive unbeaten 31 off 11 balls.

Kolkata's failure to win ensured the IPL leaders Mumbai Indians have qualified for the four-team playoffs which start next Thursday.

Kolkata remained fifth in the eight-team standings with one round-robin match left, still needing others to slip up to help them qualify.

Last-placed Chennai, eliminated long ago, could only be satisfied with ruining Kolkata's chances.

Made to bat first, Kolkata compiled a competitive 5-172 with 87 from Nitish Rana, and bowled well until the last two overs.

Chennai needed 30 runs from those last two, with Jadeja scoring 29 of them to take Chennai to 4-178 and win by six wickets.

Ruturaj Gaikwad led Chennai's chase with 72 off 53 balls, supported by Ambati Rayudu with 38.

Gaikwad was eventually bowled by Australian Pat Cummins in the 18th over, at the end of which Chennai still needed 30 for the unlikely win.

But New Zealander Lockie Ferguson's bowling strayed.

Jadeja sent one delivery to the fine leg boundary, then Ferguson gave up three no balls, was then smashed over deep square, and hit to the third man boundary, giving up 20 off the over and leaving Nagarkoti to defend a nine-run lead in the final over.