Andre Russell dismantled Punjab Kings (PBKS) bowling lineup with his sensational hitting at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. In a low-scoring affair, Russell's unbeaten 70 off just 31 deliveries ensured Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) get over the line with overs to spare. After an absolute carnage in the middle, Russell revealed a point in the run chase where he decided to break free.
“Once I started sweating, I just said that I am gonna go. I backed my ability and that's what I did tonight. I am happy to bring the team over the line,” Russell said in the post-match presentation ceremony.
The Caribbean all-rounder bowled just two deliveries in the clash against PBKS. Skipper Shreyas Iyer asked him to bowl the penultimate over of the innings. Russell wrapped up PBKS innings with the wicket of Kagiso Rabada followed by the run out of no.11 batter Arshdeep Singh off the next delivery.
“I am happy to do whatever the team requires. I am looking to bowl in the death. If the captain wants me to bowl one in the powerplay, I am more than happy to do that but we have a good amount of bowlers,” the 33-year-old said.
“I know in some games I won't be bowling four but if at least I bowl two overs, I can feel a part of the game and feel like an all-rounder. These things do happen, some games it's gonna be easy and I may not bowl a ball. I am happy to take the batting as well, hit some sixes and do whatever I can do to contribute for the team,” he further added.
Russell also lauded his teammate Sam Billings for sticking with him when KKR had lost four wickets. Billings contributed with 23-ball 24 in the unbeaten 90-run partnership for the fifth wicket. He also revealed the conversation he had with the English wicketkeeper-batter after walking out in the middle.
“I told Sam, 'listen, let's just bat a few overs and see what happens.' But we had to attack earlier because the left-arm orthodox wasn't spinning the ball and nothing was happening. So we decided to take charge from one end and look to get singles from the other end. Chahar was bowling extremely well, it was gripping as well. We didn't want to take much chance against him. We knew it'd get easier,” he concluded.
