03 April,2022 07:45 AM IST | Mumbai | PTI
KKR’s Andre Russell celebrates his 50 on Friday. Pic/BCCI; IPL
Kolkata Knight Riders' batsman Andre Russell said he backed his ability to clear the field as the big hitter went on a six-hitting spree to help rescue his team from a precarious position and lead them to victory against Punjab Kings at Wankhede on Friday.
Chasing a modest target after pacer Umesh Yadav had claimed 4-23 to restrict Punjab Kings to a paltry 137 all out after being asked to bat first, the Knight Riders were in trouble at 4-51 at one stage before Russell and Sam Billings raised 90 runs for the unfinished fifth-wicket partnership to guide KKR to a six-wicket victory at the Wankhede Stadium.
Russell blasted eight sixes and two fours as he remained unbeaten on 70, while Billings finished with 24 not out to seal KKR's second victory in their third match in IPL-15.
ALSO READ
'Boosted me when I struggled in IPL 2022': Kohli on special bond Karthik
Shubman Gill delighted to undertake GT's captaincy
Yuzvendra Chahal recalls feeling 'sad' over RCB snub
When Pandya hailed 'beloved' Nehraji for getting the best out of him on field
Sam Curran become costliest buy at IPL auction, fetches Rs 18.5 crore bid
Russell said he knew what he could do in that situation and therefore told Billings that he was going to go after bowling. "Feeling awesome, man. This is the reason why we play the game. In that position, I know what I can do. It was good to have someone at the crease like Sam [Billings]. Once I started sweating, I told him that I'm gonna go. I backed my ability. I'm happy to do whatever the team requires," Russell said after the match.
The West Indies player said that as he was not given much bowling, he was happy to contribute with the bat. "I'm looking to bowl in the death. We have a good amount of bowlers and a few guys that can slip in one or two as well. If I bowl two, at least I can feel like an all-rounder. But some games, I may not bowl a ball so I'm happy to take the batting as well and hit some sixes."
This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
