After 44 days of mind-boggling action and a no-holds-barred feud among eight fierce franchisees, Rajasthan Royals pipped Chennai Super Kings by three wickets in the thrilling grand finale to lift the inaugural Indian Premier League.

Chennai Super Kings drubbed Kings XI Punjab by nine wickets in a lop-sided contest to storm into Sunday's final against table toppers Rajasthan Royals.

Chennai Super Kings grabbed the last available semifinal spot in the Indian Premier League after beating Deccan Chargers by seven wickets in their last league match here Tuesday.

Chennai Super Kings’ skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni praised his bowlers for restricting Deccan Chargers to under 150 runs and said the victory brought relief for the team.

Spin wizard Muttiah Muralitharan Friday rated Rajasthan Royals, captained by another great of his craft and long time competitor, as favourites to win the Indian Premier League.