IPL 2018: Sportzwiki's Man of the Match - Andre Russell

The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) put up one of their most dominating performances with the bat in Indore on May 12 against hosts Kings XI Punjab (KXIP). All-rounder Andre Russell flexed his muscles while the rest of the players rallied around to earn a victory.

A 31-run win ensures the fact that KKR are still in the run for a playoffs spot, in the ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

The Windies star Russell hit a quick-fire 14-ball 31, which included three sixes and two fours. He supported skipper Dinesh Karthik and helped his side get to 245 for seven in their 20 overs.

Karthik scored a fifty but the main blow came from opener Sunil Narine. The all-rounder scored 75 runs with the bat and took the game away from the opposition completely.

Andre Tye was among wickets once again but sadly his colleagues went for plenty. Tye bagged four wickets and conceded 41 runs from his four overs.

Chasing 246 for victory, Punjab side started off as well, as Chris Gayle and KL Rahul provided them a good start. Gayle got out after scoring 21 after stitching a 57-run stand for the first wicket with Rahul.

Punjab lost the next wicket in no time as Russell scalped two wickets in two balls and had a shot at a hat-trick. He bowled a good sharp delivery but didn’t manage to achieve the feat.

The prominent all-rounder ended up with three wickets and played a vital role in the much-needed win.

Andre Russell having a good time:

It has been a good week for Russell, as he has been recalled in the national side after a prolonged gap of two years. He last represented the Windies in 2016.

Russell along with other Caribbean players will take part in the fund-raiser game for Irma-Maria damage at Lord’s on May 31.

“We welcome the return of the players who missed the Pakistan series and are delighted to recall Andre Russell to the squad, as we believe he will have a key role in our white-ball cricket. Denesh Ramdin and Keemo Paul keep their places after encouraging performances at both regional and international level,” the chairman of selectors Courtney Browne revealed in a statement.

Also Read: Kings XI Punjab vs Kolkata Knight Riders – Five Game-Changing Moments