Russel's 36-ball 88 steers KKR to mammoth 202/6 against CSK

Chennai, April 10 (IANS) Andre Russell smashed an unbeaten 36-ball 88 to help Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) recover from early jitters and post a mammoth 202/6 in 20 overs against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in an IPL game, held amidst strong

KKR were scoring at a good pace despite the loss of the openers riding Uthappa's big hitting. In the sixth over, Vice Captain Uthappa tonked Jadeja for back-to-back sixes but just when he was looking good for a big score, the Karnataka batsman got run out leaving the team reeling at 81/4. Uthappa punched the ball to covers and hesitated while taking the single allowing Raina, still one of the best fielders around, to effect a sharp direct run out.

Nitish Rana (16) had perished before Uthappa, trying to drag a back-of-a-length Shane Watson delivery behind square on the leg side only for keeper Dhoni to take an easy catch behind the stumps.

At the halfway stage, KKR were reduced to 89/5 after the losing yet another wicket of little-known Rinku Singh (2).

Russell and Karthik then joined hands to stem the rot with the former playing the aggressor's role. 

Karthik was adjudged lbw against Watson when the recovery was almost done and despite a Decision Review System (DRS) review, he had to make the long walk back.

But there was no stopping Russell to hit Bravo for three successive sixes in the 19th over and finished off in style with another huge six off Shardul.

Brief scores: Kolkata Knight Riders: 202/6 in 20 overs (Andre Russell 88, Robin Uthappa 20; Shane Watson 2/39) against Chennai Super Kings. 

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IANS