Kings XI Punjab eased to a six-wicket victory over Chennai Super Kings at Dharmasala to keep their Indian Premier League play-off prospects afloat.

Praveen Kumar, Azhar Mahmood and Parvinder Awana each took two wickets as Kings XI kept their opponents down to a modest 120 for seven in the first innings before skipper Adam Gilchrist eased them over the line with 21 balls remaining.

Praveen and Gilchrist combined as bowler and wicketkeeper to remove opening pair Mike Hussey and Murali Vijay with just 20 on the board.

India stars Suresh Raina and Mahendra Singh Dhoni also failed but Dwayne Bravo clubbed three fours and three sixes on his way to a face-saving 48.

Gilchrist ensured the chase would not be a nervy one with 64 not out in 46 deliveries at the top of the innings, with opening partner Mandeep Singh adding 24.

Bravo's all-round performance continued as he removed both Nitin Saini and David Hussey but Gilchrist made sure Kings XI cantered to victory four down.