CPL: Andre Russell's record half-century helps Jamaica Tallawahs thrash St Lucia Kings by 120 runs

Andre Russell walked out to bat for the Jamaica Tallawahs in the 18th over of their innings in their CPL 2021 opener against St Lucia Kings on Friday. The scorecard read 201/5 with the runs being scored at a run rate of 11.16. While the runs scored were certainly competitive enough, Russell ensured the eventual target was supremely difficult for the Kings with a fantastic knock. The all-rounder smashed 32 runs off Wahab Riaz in the 19th over of the innings, reaching a tally of 30 runs off 8 deliveries with the over comprising of a couple of no-balls. This was followed by 22 runs in the final over, as Russell completed his half-century off 14 deliveries, which is the fastest ever recorded in the history of the tournament.

The all-rounder’s heroics enabled the Tallawahs to pull off a triumph by a margin of 120 runs, which is the highest tally registered in the history of the popular tournament. The Jamaica-based franchise enjoyed a fantastic start after being put in to bat, after Kennar Lewis smashed 48 runs from just 22 balls in an innings that included five massive sixes which soared out of Warner Park. Lewis was well supported by Chadwick Walton who was measured, while his opening partner was scoring so freely. However, Walton showcased his capabilities after Lewis was dismissed by Roston Chase, smashing 47 runs off 29 deliveries with six boundaries and two sixes to his credit.

Walton’s departure was followed by Haider Ali and Rovman Powell making their presence felt with fantastic performances themselves. However, it would have been incomplete if not for Russell who smashed runs at a strike rate of 357.14. The power with which the all-rounder struck the ball was nothing short of remarkable, with the Kings bowlers unable to find any answer to his brutal hitting.

They were themselves guilty of being extremely indisciplined, registering 14 wides and seven no-balls, taking as many as two hours to finish their allotted quota of overs. With a massive chase of 256 handed, it indeed needed something magnificent from a range of different batsmen.

Tim David showcases an ability to smash the ball freely

The chase started off on a confident note with Rahkeem Cornwall smashing 14 runs off the first three balls. Cornwall looked confident against young South Africa pacer Migael Pretorius, but the fast-bowler soon got his revenge inducing a pull off a top-edge. Pretorious further dismissed Kings captain Faf du Plessis for a golden duck two balls later, with the cricketer beaten for pace by a short ball gloved to wicketkeeper Chadwick Walton.

He followed it up with a third wicket in his next over, after Roston Chase nicked the ball behind. The Kings were reduced to 33 for 3 which further deteriorated to 56 for 6 after Keemo Paul was dismissed following a run-out.

However, batsman Tim David who was recently signed by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), showcased his potential in this tough scenario. David smashed a half-century off just 22 deliveries, in an innings comprising of eight boundaries and three sixes. The cricketer’s ability to use his big stride to muscle the ball cleanly over cover and through the leg side, put the opposition bowlers under a lot of pressure. However, Pretorius returned to record his fourth wicket on CP debut, with the innings soon wrapped up for 135.