Caribbean all-rounder Andre Russell has a perfect start in the new Caribbean Premier League season (CPL 2018) as he took a hat-trick and then scored a match-winning century after coming to bat in a tough situation.
Two-time CPL champions Jamaica Tallawahs began their CPL 2018 journey on Friday (August 10) with an astonishing victory against the defending champions Trinbago Knight Riders, thanks to Andre Russell’s brilliant all-round performances. Moreover, it was Russell’s debut as CPL captain.
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After winning the toss, Jamaica decided to field first in their season opener. The hosts Trinbago lost their opener Sunil Narine (7) very early but their other top-order batsmen performed very well to set a big target. While another opener Chris Lynn scored 46 runs, the no.3 batsman Colin Munro (61) and the no.4 batsman Brendon McCullum (56) hit half-centuries. Also the next batsman Dwayne Bravo scored 29 runs as Trinbago managed to score 223/6 at the end of 20 overs.
Everything was going right for the hosts in their innings, except the last over of that innings where the skipper and pacer Andre Russell claimed a hat-trick. After conceding a four in the first ball of that over, Russell dismissed Brendon McCullum, Dwayne Bravo and Denesh Ramdin to complete his hat-trick. After producing a dot ball in next delivery, Russell conceded a wide and a six to finish that innings. Russell was the most wicket-taker in that innings as his bowling figure was 3-0-38-3.
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In reply, Jamaica had a poor start as they went down to 41/5 in 6.1 overs. Since then, the skipper Russell one again rescued his team with a brilliant unbeaten century knock and also provided an important giant 161-run partnership with Kennar Lewis for the sixth wicket. While Lewis scored 51 runs off 35 balls before his dismissal, Russell carried his innings till secure the game for his team. He completed his half-century in 22 balls and got his century in just 40 balls, the fastest ever century in CPL history. Russell remained unbeaten on 121 off 49 balls who smashed 13 sixes and 6 fours. His powerful batting snatched a memorable T20 victory for Jamaica Tallawahs who reached the target in 19.3 overs after losing six wickets (225/6).
While Jamaica won the game by four wickets with 3 balls remaining, skipper Andre Russell won the Player of the Match award without any surprise.
Brief Scores: Trinbago Knight Riders – 223/6 in 20 overs (Colin Munro 61, Brendon McCullum 56; Andre Russell 3/38)
Jamaica Tallawahs – 225/6 in 19.3 overs (Andre Russell 121*, Kennar Lewis 51; Ali Khan 3/24)
Result – Jamaica Tallawahs won by 4 wickets (with 3 balls remaining)
