IPL 2021, Match 15: CSK hold KKR to go top of the table

Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) lower order put up a brave fight but could not get their team past the finishing line, as Chennai Super Kings (CSK) beat them by 18 runs in a high-scoring encounter.

CSK's 220/3 in 20 overs was built on Faf du Plessis's unbeaten 95 off 60 balls (9x4, 4x6), as he shared a 115-run opening stand with Ruturaj Gaikwad (64 off 42 balls,6x4, 4x6).

Skipper MS Dhoni chipped in with 17 runs off just eight deliveries, while contribution from Moeen Ali (25 off 12 balls) helped CSK cross the 200-run mark.

Deepak Chahar had run through the KKR top order, taking four wickets for 29 runs in his four overs, as the Knight Riders were once reeling at 31/5 in the sixth over.

However, Andre Russell (54 off 22 balls; 3x4, 6x6) and Dinesh Karthik (40 off 24 balls; 4x4, 2x6) staged a remarkable fight to steer KKR out of trouble.

Pat Cummins (66 not out off 34 balls; 4x4, 6x6) stayed the last man standing but failed to take KKR to a stunning win, as the side fell short by 18 runs.