Chennai beat Kolkata in IPL

CHENNAI, Apr 11 (AP): Sam Billings' blistering half century overshadowed Andre Russell's powerful 88 off 36 balls as Chennai Super Kings won a high-scoring Indian Premier League match against Kolkata Knight Riders by five wickets on Tuesday.

Billings, one of the two changes made by Chennai, blazed 56 off 23 balls to carry Chennai to 205-5 with a ball to spare.

Kolkata, after being put in to bat by Chennai captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, rode Russell's powerful knock that included 11 sixes and a four to rack up 202-6.

"It feels good, to come back after two years and win," Dhoni said as Chennai returned to the IPL after a two-year ban and played in front of the home fans.

"It's good to see Sam bat the way he batted. Yes, we did go for runs, and Kolkata did bat well. Bowlers from both sides had a rough time, but I'm sure the crowd enjoyed."

Billings was dropped on 9 by Robin Uthappa at mid off which could have made Chennai struggle at 129-4 in the 15th over.