Russell marks Sabina return with a win for the Kings
Published:Tuesday | June 27, 2023 | 12:52 AMLennox Aldred/Gleaner Writer
West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell played his first game in the Dream XI Jamaica T10 yesterday and his man-of-the-match performance saw the Surrey Kings defeat Cornwall Warriors by eight wickets at Sabina Park.
Russell bagged two wickets and then hit an unbeaten 20 to lead the Kings to 62 for two, replying to Warriors’ score of 59 for eight in their allotted 10 overs.
For Russell, just being back and playing at Sabina Park for the first time in a couple of years was a wonderful feeling, as he helped his side secure their second win of the new campaign.
“This is my first time playing in the tournament as I missed out last year and I am happy that I was able to get a couple of wickets and make a few runs to help my team win. It has been a while since I played some cricket at Sabina Park and it was a good outing.”
Russell, who opened the bowling for the Kings, sent down two overs and took two wickets for 16 runs to go along with Antwin Stephens’ two wickets in restricting the Cornwall Warriors to 59 for eight.
Only opener Jordan Holness got into double figures. He made 15.
In reply, Russell finished off the job by scoring an unbeaten 20 from nine balls, including one four and two sixes in the Kings’ 62 for two in 5.4 overs.
Opener Kirk McKenzie made 25 from 12 balls with one four and three sixes with captain Jermaine Blackwood getting nine while Mickayle Riley was left not out on three.
Russell hopes that playing with some of the younger players will motivate them to go to pursue cricket as a career.
“As an international player coming and playing in this tournament is a good plus for the team and I see some young talent as well scoring fast runs and bowling tight and that is good for the game,” he said.
In the meantime, the Middlesex Titans opened their campaign with a win following a six-wicket win over the Surrey Risers. The Risers made 68 for eight and the Titans replied with 69 for four in 8.3 overs with Jamie Merchant leading the way with an uneaten 29 from 21 balls.