A brutal unbeaten half-century from Brad Hodge has steered the Rajasthan Royals to a Champions League Twenty20 home semi-final.
The Victorian smashed 52 from just 23 balls to lead the Royals to a four-wicket home win over Otago on Tuesday in their final pool match in Jaipur.
The victory extended their winning streak at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium to 12 and ensured they'd return to the venue for a chance to win through to the final of the $US6 million ($A6.45 million) tournament.
Chasing Otago's modest 140 to win, Rajasthan were reduced to 4-72 at the start of the 13th over when Hodge came to the crease.
The 38-year-old bludgeoned five fours and three sixes as the veteran got his side home with five balls remaining.
Hodge's fellow Australians and Royals teammates - Shane Watson (two and 1-24) and James Faulkner (two and 0-28) - were quiet.
Young New Zealand limited-overs international James Neesham was best for the Otago Volts, whacking 32 and then snaring 3-22 with his medium-pacers.
Otago will wait on the result of Perth Scorchers' clash with the Mumbai Indians on Wednesday.
If Mumbai win, it will come down to a net run-rate scenario between Mumbai and Otago as to who qualifies as the second team in the semis from Group A.
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