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: