Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)’ Andre Russell and Pat Cummins almost did the impossible.
They helped their team reach agonisingly close to the 221-run target but still fell short by 18 runs in the end.
KKR were off to a poor start as Deepak Chahar inflicted a top-order collapse with a four-wicket haul.
However, Andre Russell and Dinesh Karthik helped KKR stage a fightback with an 81-run stand for the sixth wicket.
However, Sam Curran dismissed Russell to put an end to the blitz provided by the West Indian.
While Russell slammed a cracking 54 off 22 balls, Karthik scored a quickfire 40 off 24 balls.
After Russell’s departure, KKR looked all but out of the game before Cummins joined forces with Karthik and added 34 runs for the seventh wicket.
After the wicket-keeper’s departure, the Aussie pacer continued his sensational run and hammered an unbeaten 66 off 34 balls to keep KKR in the hunt till the end.
Cummins took over from Russell and gave a glimpse of his world-class all-round abilities by getting 30 runs off one Curran over.
However, KKR fell short of batsmen in the end as they were all out for 202 runs.
Earlier, asked to bat first, CSK openers Faf du Plessis and Ruturaj Gaikwad gave the team a brilliant start with half-centuries apiece.
While Gaikwad found his mojo back with a 42-ball 64 laced with some classy strokes, Du Plessis hammered a stunning 95 off just 60 dazzled with six fours and 4 sixes.
This was CSK’s third win on the trot while KKR lost their third match in succession.
On the other hand, KKR lost their third match in succession.
Chennai Super Kings 220 for 3 (du Plessis 95, Gaikwad 64) beat Kolkata Knight Riders 202 (Cummins 66*, Russell 54, Chahar 4-29, Ngidi 3-28) by 18 runs
