IPL 2018 : Sam Billings Upstages Andrew Russell As CSK Beats KKR In A Thriller

Picture Courtesy : Deccan Chronicle

Chennai Super Kings returned to their home ground after two years  IPL ban in style. The men in yellow amidst the strong cauvery protests , won a high scoring thriller against the Kolkata Knight Riders.

Put into bat after Mahendra Singh Dhoni won the toss, KKR were in a spot of bother at 89 for 5. But West Indian Andrew Russell entertained the crowd with some magnificent power hitting . Hitting a blistering 88 off mere 36 balls .

The power innings was studded with 1 four and 11 sixes including seven off West Indian team- mate Dwayne Bravo. He featured in a 76 run partnership with KKR skipper Dinesh karthik ( 26) and helped KKR reach a target of 202

Chasing the big target, meant CSK needed a flying start and Aussie all- rounder Shane Watson showed the way with a blazing 19 ball 42 . He was ably supported by Ambati Rayudu ( 39 off 26 balls) the pair put on 75 for the first wicket in mere 3.3 overs. Thereby setting the tempo.

But Suresh Raina 14 off 12 and Skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni 25 off 28 balls failed to get going. Raina struggled with calf strain thus increasing the pressure. Fortunately English player Sam Billings rose to the challenge and hit a powerful 23 ball 56. Ravindra Jadeja did the finishing act hitting huge 6 off R Vinay Kumar when 4 was needed off 2 balls to clinch the tie . R Vinay Kumar had a forgettable outing as he conceded 17 runs in the final over. It was CSK’s second win on the trot.