CPL 2018: Andre Russell halts Trinbago Knight Riders’ surge with a stupendous hat-trick

Andre Russell is known for his brute force with the willow, however, his attributes with the leather can’t be dismissed by any stretch of the imagination. Jamaica Tallawahs played their opening match of this year’s Caribbean Premier League (CPL) against Dwayne Bravo’s Trinbago Knight Riders and Russell single-handedly guided them to a jaw-dropping victory at Queens Park Oval.

His 49-ball 121 helped his team track down 224 after the Knights racked up the highest ever score in the history of the CPL. Prior to that, he also shone with the ball in hand. He conceded 38 runs in three overs and was put under the pump by the belligerent TKR batsmen. However, he made amends in the last over and albeit he conceded 11 runs in his final over, he picked up a hat-trick.

Russell spews venom with the ball

Brendon McCullum smacked him down the leg side to start the final over. However, Russell made amends in the next delivery nipping out Baz after he scored 56 runs. The New Zealand-batsman tried to clear the cow corner, but couldn’t find the elevation. Subsequently, the ball traced into Rovman Powell’s hand. He picked up his second wicket in the form of left-handed batsman Darren Bravo.

The batter tried to give himself room and steer the ball through the off-side. Russell nailed an immaculate Yorker and Bravo was unable to get underneath the delivery. The vicious delivery cannoned into the stumps and Bravo perished after scoring 29 runs in double quick time. Denesh Ramdin, the wicketkeeper-batsman was the next man in and he became Russell’s third victim.

The bowler dished out a short-pitched delivery and Ramdin rocked on to the backfoot to smack it through mid-wicket. Unfortunately, he hit the ball straight into the palms of Andre McCarthy. Russell erupted in joy and pumped his fists in ecstasy after the accomplishment.

Here is the video

For more news and developments, stay tuned on CricTracker.com.