ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates, CMC – Andre Russell warmed up for next month’s tour of Australia by grabbing two wickets and then blasting a late order cameo, as he propelled Abu Dhabi Knight Riders to a six-wicket win over Shimron Hetmyer’s Gulf Giants in the ILT20 here yesterday.
The 35-year-old Russell picked up two for 39 from four overs of medium fast, helping to limit Giants to 161 for six off their 20 overs at Zayed Cricket Stadium.
Chris Lynn top-scored with 67 off 48 deliveries while Usman Khan got 20 but no other batsman passed 20, the left-handed Hetmyer’s struggles continuing with an eight-ball 19.
In reply, Knight Riders overhauled their target with 10 balls to spare, English opener Michael Pepper belting a Man-of-the-Match 59 off 40 balls.
He struck seven fours and three sixes, putting on 62 for the first wicket with Joe Clarke (14) and a further 44 for the second wicket with Alishan Sharafu (11).
However, Knight Riders then lost three wickets for 16 runs in the space of 23 balls, leaving the chase tottering on 122 for four in the 15th over.
Russell then took charge, lashing a 13-ball unbeaten 30 with one four and three sixes, to inspire a match-winning 42-run, unbroken fifth wicket stand with Sam Hain (17 not out).
West Indies pacers Dominic Drakes and Carlos Brathwaite both went wicket-less in two-over spells.
Giants had earlier found themselves floundering on 21 for two in the fourth over before Lynn led a recovery, first in a 72-run third wicket partnership with Jordan Cox (21) and then in a 39-run, fourth wicket stand with Usman.
Usman and Hetmyer, the latter of whom drilled a low full toss to deep mid-wicket, both perished at the hands of Russell.
