Veteran all-rounder Andre Russell made a stunning re-visitation of worldwide cricket to assist West Indies with cruising to a four-wicket triumph over Britain in the opening Twenty20 global in Barbados on Tuesday. Given a shock review following a two-year nonappearance, Russell sparkled with bat and ball at Kensington Oval as the home side arrived at the triumph focus effortlessly to complete on 172-6 from 18.1 overs. The 35-year-old Russell was the pick of the West Indies bowlers with three wickets for 19 runs off four overs as title holders Britain were all out for 171.
Russell, close by captain Rovman Powell, who was unbeaten on 31, then delivered a speedy fire 29 not out to see West Indies home after a mid-innings wobble took steps to permit Britain back into the challenge.
Russell’s innings off only 14 balls included two fours and two sixes, including a colossal six out of the ground over midwicket off Adil Rashid.
West Indies shot 14 sixes all through the innings, including two immense swipes from opener Kyle Mayers almost immediately which likewise flew out of the ground.
Russell later cut an eminent shot over in reverse guide off Sam Curran for four runs toward seal triumph and a heavenly individual presentation.
“Life is so amusing,” man-of-the-match Russell said.
“Since when I got chosen for the West Indies group I’ve been dreaming for about fourteen days at this point – – and I was longing for being man of the match.”
Britain captain Jos Buttler was passed on to mourn the vacationers’ powerlessness to capitalize on areas of strength for a to their innings which incorporated a 77-run opening organization.
“From the position we were in, we were searching for a score of 200,” said Buttler, who scored 39 while individual opener Phil Salt put on a trendy 40 off 20 balls.
“We need to continue pushing the limits and attempting to be as sure as possible.
“Yet, it’s tied in with tracking down ways of continuing scoring thusly, getting those additional 20, 25 runs in an unfashionable way.”
The second round of the series happens in Grenada on Thursday.
Brief scores:
Britain: 171 all out in 19.3 overs (P. Salt 40, J. Buttler 39, L. Livingstone 27; A. Russell 3-19, A. Joseph 3-54)
West Indies 172-6: (K. Mayers 35, S. Trust 36, R. Powell 31 not out, A. Russell 29 not out; R. Ahmed 3-39, A. Rashid 2-25)
Result: West Indies win by four wickets
Series: West Indies lead five-match series 1-0
