Manish Pandey blitzed the highest score of the 2009 Indian Premier League on Thursday to guide Bangalore Royal Challengers to a 12-run victory over Deccan Chargers and third place in the final standings.

The result means Deccan play table-toppers Delhi Daredevils in the first semifinal at Centurion Friday while Bangalore take on Chennai Super Kings in Johannesburg the following afternoon.

Pandey batted through the innings after Bangalore won the toss and elected to wield the willow first, finishing with an unbeaten 114 off just 73 balls as the Challengers posted a formidable 170-4 total.

It was a remarkable effort from the little-known 19-year-old, who took advantage of being dropped on two by RP Singh to score only the second century of the Twenty20 extravaganza this season.

"It was a brilliant hundred," reflected Bangalore skipper Anil Kumble. "Manish got a few opportunities but didn't get to bat in the other games because he was down the order.

"So we just took a chance and sent him up the order and he came off really well."

Deccan got off to a flying start in pursuit of their hefty target with Herschelle Gibbs leading the way, and at the halfway stage were perfectly poised on 85 for the loss of one wicket.

But after Gibbs departed for 60, caught in the deep by Pandey off the bowling of Balachandra Akhil, Andrew Symonds (18) fell soon after and the innings unravelled.

Impressive bowling displays from Kumble (2-23) and medium pacer Akhil (2-18) sealed victory and ensured Bangalore enjoy a one-day rest while Deccan face the dangerous Daredevils.

"We weren't as sharp as what we'd have liked to have been, so it was bit disappointing in that regard," admitted Chargers captain Adam Gilchrist.

"It would have been nice to have a positive result leading into the semifinals, but it starts again tomorrow."