CPL 2018: Andre Russell Takes Hat-Trick Before Scoring Match-Winning Ton Against Trinbago Knight Riders

West Indies star Andre Russell put up one of the most perfect performances in T20 cricket to fire Jamaica Tallawahs to a stunning victory over Trinbago Knight Riders in the Caribbean Premier League.

The Tallawahs skipper scored a century, took a hat-trick and grabbed a stunning catch as his side chased down 224 with four balls to spare. The hard-hitting batsman raced away to his century off just 40 balls and finished unbeaten on 121 from 49 balls. His innings was studded with 13 sixes – a record in the CPL. The 40-ball century is also the fastest and highest individual score in the history of the league.

His hat-trick consisted of Brendon McCullum, Darren Bravo and Denesh Ramdin.

It looked all over for the Tallawahs after they were five down for just 41 while chasing 224. Things could have got worse but Ali Khan dropped a tough chance of Russell when he was yet to open his account. And the allrounder made the Knight Riders pay for the costly drop.

Russell and Kennar Lewis (52) brought back the Tallawahs in the game by adding 161 runs for the sixth wicket. The stand is now the joint-highest partnership in CPL history.  Fawad Ahmed ended the stand. However, it did not bring any respite for the Knight Riders as Russell continued to torment him. He then sealed the fairy-tale chase with his 13th six in the final over. His knock also contained 6 fours.

Russell’s incredible efforts overshadowed the brilliant batting display by the Knight Riders. Lynn gave the side a flying start by scoring 46 off just 27.

New Zealand pair Colin Munro and McCullum kept the momentum flowing before the former was dismissed for 42-ball 61. McCullum, on the other hand, scored 56 off just 27. Kemar Roach bore the brunt at the other end, conceding a CPL-record 64 from his four overs as Trinbago amassed 223 for 6.

Meanwhile, Russell became just the second player to score a century and take a hat-trick in a T20 match. Kent’s Joe Denly was the first just a month ago in England’s T20 competition.