Russell fireworks lift Originals to victory
SOUTHAMPTON, England (CMC) — Estranged West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell once again flaunted his power-hitting abilities with a devastating half-century as Manchester Originals crushed Southern Brave by 68 runs in The Hundred.
Playing at the Rose Bowl, the 34-year-old plundered half-dozen fours and five sixes in a 23-ball 64 not out as Originals marched to 188 for three off their 100 deliveries on Thursday.
In reply, Brave declined to 120 all out off 84 balls, with left-arm pacer Paul Walter claiming three for 20 and Russell picking up a single wicket.
For Originals, the victory was their second in five outings, while Brave slumped to their fourth defeat in five matches.
Sent in, Originals were propelled early on by Captain Jos Buttler, who blasted 68 off 42 deliveries in a 64-run, opening stand with Phil Salt (38), the England star then featuring in a 35-run, second wicket partnership with Wayne Madsen (9).
Man-of-the-Match Russell put the innings in overdrive when he arrived at number four to put on a further 51 with Buttler before dominating a 38-run, unbroken fourth wicket partnership with Tristan Stubbs (two not out).
The Jamaican, who has not appeared for West Indies since last year’s failed Twenty20 World Cup campaign, stormed to his half-century from 20 balls, the landmark coming in the last five balls of the innings from seamer Mike Hogan, which served up 24 runs.
In reply, George Garton top-scored with a 14-ball 25, while South African Quinton de Kock and Ross Whiteley both got 21, but Brave lost wickets from the outset and never recovered.