When Andre Russell came out to bat, Kolkata Knight Riders were reeling at 153 for 5 in the 17th over against Royal Challengers Bangalore while chasing an improbable total of 206. On the final delivery of that over, Knight Riders skipper Dinesh Karthik departed, leaving the team to score an improbable 53 from the last three overs. While Russell had definitely played three whirlwind knocks in the previous three games, it looked like he too would fail this time as the momentum was firmly in the Royal Challengers’ favour.
But the complexion of the game changed when Russell hit a beamer from Mohammed Siraj for a maximum. That six not only gave Russell the momentum but also forced Royal Challengers to change their bowlers as Siraj was stopped from bowling after delivering his second beamer in the game.Marcus Stoinis then conceded two more sixes as Russell brought down the equation to 30 from the last two. In the 19th over, he hit Tim Southee for four sixes and a four to collect 29 before Shubman Gill scored a single on the final ball to power the Knight Riders to a stunning win. In the end, Russell remained unbeaten on 48 off just 13 balls with the help of 7 sixes and a four.
Man of the hour, man of the moment, man of the match @Russell12A all smiles for the #IPLSelfie pic.twitter.com/fqheeXKOga
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 5, 2019
The Knight Riders pulled off a sensational 5-wicket win over the Royal Challengers to register their third win of the season. Delighted with the impressive win, the co-owner of the team Shah Rukh Khan took to Twitter to hail the players. He, however, put an extra effort to praise Andre Russell as he posted a picture of the allrounder while writing:
“Well played boys @KKRiders @lynny50 @NitishRana_27 @robbieuthappa . Each one in the team did so well but you all will agree all words of praise r worth less than this picture…”
Well played boys @KKRiders @lynny50 @NitishRana_27 @robbieuthappa . Each one in the team did so well but you all will agree all words of praise r worth less than this picture… pic.twitter.com/bak2zQ9NqD
— Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) April 5, 2019