Twitter Reactions: Andre Russell powers Melbourne Stars to a comfortable win

Andre Russell brought his A-game out as Melbourne Stars thrashed Sydney Thunder by six wickets in the Big Bash League (BBL) 2021-22 fixture. The game had several twists and turns as both sides seemed determined to cross the line. However, the Glenn Maxwell-led side eventually emerged victorious with as many as 17 deliveries to spare. While the Stars record their second win of the season, Sydney Thunder still have just one win in the points table.

Earlier in the game, Melbourne Stars won the toss and opted to bowl at the Sydney Showground Stadium. The call seemed pretty spot on as the Thunder suffered a top-order collapse. While opener Alex Hales tried holding the innings from one end, he lost partners regularly. Things looked even worse for the Sydney-based team when Hales was dismissed for 28.

However, Alex Ross joined forces with Daniel Christian and the duo brought their side back in the hunt. The former was brilliant in particular as he slammed Melbourne bowlers all over the park. The right-handed batter remained unbeaten at 77 off 49 deliveries as Sydney Thunder posted 151/5 in their allotted 20 overs. For Stars, Qais Ahmad and Brody Couch scalped two wickets apiece.

Andre Russell’s onslaught sent Sydney Thunder on the backfoot

Although the target didn’t seem massive on the paper, the Stars got off to a dismal start. Top-order batters Joe Clarke and Nick Larkin got out cheaply as the Thunder looked on command. However, Marcus Stoinis joined forces with Glenn Maxwell and the duo added 59 runs for the third wicket. The tables, however, again turned as both set batters were dismissed in successive deliveries.

While the Chris Green-led side seemed on the driver’s seat, Andre Russell unleashed an onslaught to send Thunder on the backfoot. The Carribbean dasher scored runs all over the park and scored 43 off just 22 deliveries. He was well supported by Hilton Cartwright, who scored a 12–ball 22. Riding on their brilliance, the Stars crossed the line in 17.1 overs, winning the contest by six wickets. Needless to mention, Russell received the Player-of-the-Match award for his blitzes.

Meanwhile, let’s look at how Twitterarti reacted to Melbourne Stars’ emphatic win:  

Andre Russell is back, won the man of the match award – unbeaten 43 runs from 22 balls including 1 four and 5 sixes – Dre Russ in BBL. pic.twitter.com/wArPojOVP9

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 12, 2021

I find it hilarious that Andre Russell and Qais Ahmed can't celebrate with/touch anyone, but they can use the same ball.#BBL #BBL11

— CricBlog ✍ (@cric_blog) December 10, 2021

The Thunder know all too well what it feels like for Andre Russell to seal victory.

He smacks five sixes and the Stars win by six wickets.#BBL11 pic.twitter.com/CHjSHUclue

— bet365 AUS (@bet365_aus) December 12, 2021

Andre Russell gets smashed in the box, then hits a six to the far end of town.

Nut shot. City limits.

— Geoff Lemon Sport (@GeoffLemonSport) December 12, 2021

A 130kph bowler who depends mostly on change of pace for his wickets should never bowl to Andre Russell in a Power Surge over. But here they are..Russell took 20 runs from that over of Daniel Sams.

— Prasenjit Dey (@CricPrasen) December 12, 2021

The stars have won, absolute brilliant. What a great match, take a bow Andre Russell 👏👏💪💪 #BBL11 pic.twitter.com/L06o8cmGP1

— ⚫️⚪️ JAKE ⚫️⚪️ (@IncrediblyBozza) December 12, 2021

Andre Russell batting in a power surge is just too much fun, bring it to the VIVO IPL

— Kieran (@BerbaSpinCric) December 12, 2021

Melbourne Stars recruits Andre Russell and Qais Ahmad watching the action from their designated biosecurity zone, marked off by red tape. #BBL11 pic.twitter.com/QOQQBqUgpJ

— Nic Savage (@nic_savage1) December 12, 2021

Is there any other T/20 team in the world that has more powerful strikers of a cricket ball all in one team than the Melbourne Stars in @MStoinis @Russell12A @Gmaxi_32 & H Cartwright. If so who ? #BBL
@FoxCricket

— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) December 12, 2021

Andre Russell 42 runs off 21 balls with 5 huge sixes, for Melbourne Stars in BBL and also the player of the match 💚 #BBL11 pic.twitter.com/bcAFvHPgBF

— sohom (@AwaaraHoon) December 12, 2021

Victory For Melbourne Stars
Thought They Were Out Of Game After Loosing Stoinis And Maxwell But Russell Had Different Plans.
Scored 43* From 22 With 1 Four And 5 Sixes #bbl pic.twitter.com/1LwXAnjUXW

— Pratik 🪄 (@122mlongsix) December 12, 2021

Hands up if you want Dre on your team 🔥🙋‍♂️#TeamGreen pic.twitter.com/F8h0P3TvHL

— Melbourne Stars (@StarsBBL) December 12, 2021