As Andre Russell prepares to retire from international cricket, he has fondly reflected on the moment that stands tallest among his many achievements: his match-winning cameo in the 2016 ICC T20 World Cup semi-final against India. Chasing a daunting 193, the West Indies found themselves in trouble at 116/4. Russell strode in at No. 5 with 77 needed from 41 balls.
In lightning fashion, he unleashed 43 runs off just 20 deliveries, ultimately sealing the victory with a boundary off Virat Kohli on the penultimate ball, handing West Indies a spot in the final and silencing a partisan Mumbai crowd.
Reflecting on the unforgettable day, Russell told Cricket West Indies: “Definitely my best moment was the 2016 World Cup semi-final… I brought the team home, me and Lendl Simmons, and obviously the start that we got from the other batters… with the crowd supporting India only, that was already a bit of pressure… but the confidence… gave me the freedom… to play the role that I did.”
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The explosive knock set the stage for West Indies’ first T20 World Cup triumph since 2012 — eventually overcoming England in a dramatic final in Kolkata. Russell savoured the emotion of that tournament win: “Two World Cups—it’s just a different emotion. You sleep, you wake up…and you feel well-rested because you just want to see… all those good comments.”
#AndreRussell. Big hits. Big moments.
The #WestIndies all-rounder announces retirement from international cricket.💔
Here’s his message to fans and the cricketing world #Cricket pic.twitter.com/yisXYKi4jH
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) July 19, 2025
Now 37, Andre Russell will close the chapter of his international career during the first two T20Is against Australia at Sabina Park, Jamaica, on July 20 and 22. It’s a fitting farewell at the venue where his cricketing dreams began.
He shared his pride: “I gave my best every time I wore the maroon jersey… perfect ground and the perfect series… to end my international career.”
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Across 84 T20Is, 56 ODIs, one Test, and two World titles, Russell’s career spanned global leagues and unforgettable moments. The 2016 semi-final heroics remain his defining legacy—a testament to his match-winning calibre under immense pressure.
