In a high-scoring encounter against the Chennai Super Kings, Pat Cummins and Andre Russell smashed destructive half-centuries to help the Knight Riders inch closer to Channai's mammoth first innings total of 220 at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai.

Chasing 221 for the win, the boys in Purple and Gold had a lukewarm start to the innings and lost half their side for 31 runs. However, two of the most experienced players in the batting unit, Dinesh Karthik and Andre Russell, steadied the ship with a sublime 81-run partnership for the sixth wicket.

Watch Russell's knock:

Video hosted on BCCI / www.iplt20.com website

The Caribbean all-rounder was the dominant partner amongst the two as he blunted the opposition bowling unit with his brutal hitting. He smashed 54 off 22 deliveries with three boundaries and six massive hits over the fence to keep the Knight Riders on course in the run chase.

While Russell's wicket dented the scoring rate, Pat Cummins, coming in at eight, unleashed a flurry of strokes against Sam Curran as he smashed 30 runs in an over to turn the tables on the Chennai outfit.

The Australian speedster remained unbeaten on 66 off 34 balls as the team fell short by 18 runs. Although the match did not go in favour of our boys, the brave fightback displayed by the team won millions of hearts.

Watch Pat Cummin's fluent fifty:

Video hosted on BCCI / www.iplt20.com website