CPL: Russell’s fireworks lift Trinbago Knight Riders

PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC):

In a pulsating contest at Queen’s Park Oval, Andre Russell’s explosive 36 not out from 15 balls, paired with a calm, unbeaten 31 off 24 from Tim David, powered the Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) to a thrilling five-wicket win over Guyana Amazon Warriors in the 19th match of the Caribbean Premier League here on Wednesday.

The victory marks a triumphant start to TKR’s home leg of the competition.

Chasing a competitive target of 149 on a challenging surface, TKR stumbled to 89-5 and needed 60 runs from the final 30 balls to secure the victory.

With their backs against the wall, Russell, making his comeback from injury, joined David at the crease. While David struggled to find a rhythm, Russell wasted no time, unleashing a barrage of boundaries.

Player of the match Russell was given a lifeline on nought when he was put down by Junior Sinclair at deep backward square leg.

The Jamaican then took full advantage of the opportunity, dismantling Nathan Sowter’s over with three massive sixes to bring TKR back into the chase.

Despite some crafty bowling from the Warriors, including an impressive penultimate over by Dwaine Pretorius, TKR needed just 12 off the final over.

David, who struggled with timing throughout his innings, found his range when it mattered most, smashing back-to-back sixes off the first two balls of the final over to seal the win for TKR with four deliveries to spare.

Earlier, the Warriors also struggled after a promising start, crumbling from 32-2 to 76-7 as TKR’s spin trio wreaked havoc. Tim Robinson’s 34 off 28 gave the Warriors a platform, but Waqar Salamkheil (2-19), Sunil Narine (2-24), and Akeal Hosein (1-20) engineered a collapse, leaving the Warriors reeling.

A stunning rescue effort from Romario Shepherd, 51 not out off 24 balls, and Pretorius, 21 not out off 25, lifted their side to a respectable 148-7 in their 20 overs.

Dwayne Bravo, who picked up one wicket for 41 runs in possibly his last CPL game at the Oval, said the victory was emotional.

“It is very emotional for me. The boys gave me a hard time for crying today, but I appreciate the love and respect these guys show. I have had good memories over the years, and playing here in front of the fans is what we all look forward to.”