BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - JAMAICA and West Indies superstar Andre Russell got his preparation underway for the ICC T20 World Cup later this year with a blistering half century that propelled the Jamaica Tallawahs to a 120 run hammering of the St. lucia Kings.
Batting first this morning (Aug. 27), the Tallawahs had a perfect day with significant partnerships from their top order who laid the foundation for one of the world’s most revered power hitters on one of the world’s smallest grounds
Russell blasted the ball to all parts of the ground in his CPL fastest 50 of 14 deliveries, and in the process helped his team to 255 for 5 - the highest total in the tournament.
The power hitter struck 6x6s and 3x4s in his inning. All of this in an empty stadium in Basseterre, due to COVID-19 protocols.
Kennar Lewis (48) and wicketkeeper/batsman Chadwick Walton (47) got the ball roll in bright sunshine at Warner Park, putting on an opening partnership of 81 before Lewis perished.
Haider Ali (45) and captain Rovman Powell (38) piled on the pressure to the Kings bowlers who could not settle on a good line and length on an excellent batting pitch.
In reply, the Kings never got off the mark and folded for a paltry 135 inside their 20 overs. Tim David (56) and Wahab Riaz’s (26) were the only standout batsmen for the Kings.
Migael Pretorius and Imran Khan were the chief destroyers for the Tallawahs, nabbing 4 and 3 wickets respectively.
The second game in a double header, will see the Barbados Royals against defending champions Trinbago Knight Riders from 7:00 p.m.
