Royal Challengers Bangalore entered the semi-finals of the Champions League when they beat the Lions in an exciting encounter at the Wanderers in Johannesburg.

Batting first in a must-win game, the Lions lost Jonathon Vandiar and Richard Cameron off successive balls but a 29-ball 45 by captain Alviro Petersen and Neil McKenzie’s 39 put them back on track. A cameo at the end of the innings of Robert Frylinck ensured that the Lions would get to 159/6 in their 20 overs – a competitive total in a pressure game.

In reply, the absence of Jacques Kallis may have hurt the side had it not been for a matured innings of 44 by Manish Pandey at the top of the innings. The Bangalore side did lose three quick wickets including those of Robin Uthappa and Ross Taylor, but Virat Kohli smacked his second successive 40 to see the team home.

In the process, Bangalore finished second in the group after tying with Mumbai and Lions on points but surging ahead on the net run-rate.

Bangalore and South Australia qualify for the semi-finals of the tournament. If Chennai beat the Warriors in today’s game, Bangalore will face Chennai in the semi-final.

Currently, Bangalore is also favourites to win the tournament, with an offer of 11/4 (BetFred) for their win, while South Australia is at 3/1 (Boylesports). Despite not having qualified for the semi-finals, Chennai is the third favourite side to win the CLT20 and they go in at 4/1 (SkyBet)