Shaun Marsh hit a century to confirm himself as the IPL's leading runscorer as the Kings XI Punjab beat top-of-the-table rivals Rajasthan Royals.

The gloss of the encounter, the 56th and final match of a protracted round-robin series, was reduced by its dead-rubber status as both team's had already secured their place in the weekend's semi-finals.

And while defeat for Rajasthan did not prevent them from finishing as table leaders, perhaps worryingly for their title hopes was the ease in which they were cast aside by the home team.

The Royals were without the inspiration of captain Shane Warne, who opted to rest his 38-year-old body, but in his absence Marsh (115) led a demolition of their attack as the Kings XI posted a formidable 221 for three.

The Royals' reply was immediately undermined by the early dismissals of Mohammad Kaif (one) and Younis Khan (three).

With nothing riding on the game the visitors' batsmen seemed more intent on gaining some valuable time in the middle ahead of their semi-final against the Delhi Daredevils on Friday.

Niraj Patel did his hopes of playing in that game no harm with a breezy 57 at the top of the order while Yusuf Pathan chipped in with 39, including three sixes, as the visitors completed their 20 overs at 180 for seven.

Teenage leg-spinner Piyush Chawla was the pick of the Kings XI bowlers claiming three for 35 from four overs.

The Kings XI will play the Chennai Super Kings on Saturday for the right to play in the IPL's first ever final.