Royal Challengers Bangalore's hopes of reaching the Indian Premier League play-offs were ended after they suffered a nine-run defeat against Deccan Chargers on Sunday.
The Challengers needed a win to force themselves into the top four and they looked to be in a decent position after winning the toss, with the Chargers slipping to 51 for four on a pitch that suited the bowlers.
But Jean-Paul Duminy blasted four fours and five sixes in his 74 to help Deccan reach 132 for seven. Vinay Kumar was the pick of the bowlers with three for 22.
Bangalore opener Chris Gayle began his innings in typically brash fashion, plundering three fours and two sixes in his 10-ball 27 before he was bowled by Dale Steyn, who took three wickets for just eight runs in his four overs.
Skipper Virat Kohli anchored the Challengers' innings but he departed for 42 and a steady flow of wickets undermined their charge as they fell just short against the IPL's basement side.
Their defeat means Chennai Super Kings will join Delhi Daredevils, Kolkata Knight Riders and Mumbai Indians in the play-offs.
Meanwhile Mumbai Indians warmed up for the play-offs with a thumping 10-wicket win over Rajasthan Royals in their final group match.
The Indians, already guaranteed a top four place before the match, lost the toss and big-hitting Australian Shane Watson top-scored with 45 as the Royals reached 162 for six.
Stuart Binny struck 30, while Owais Shah and Ashok Menaria contributed 28 not out and 21 respectively, with Dhawal Kulkarni taking three for 18 to finish as the pick of Mumbai's bowlers.
Any hopes that might be a competitive total were quickly dismissed as Sachin Tendulkar and Dwayne Smith settled into their stride immediately.
Smith was the more attacking of the two, plundering 10 fours and three sixes in his unbeaten 81, while Tendulkar finished on 58 not out as Mumbai reached their target of 163 with two overs to spare.
