West Indies starts on a winning note in the ongoing bilateral series against South Africa. The Caribbean side recalled Andre Russell to the national team after a break and the 33-year-old immediately made a big impact with both bat and ball. A quick-fire 37 of 24 balls from Quinton De Kock and a brilliant unbeaten 56 from Rassie Van Der Dussen helped South Africa post 160 for the loss of 6 wickets in 20 overs. A brace of wickets from Fabien Allen and the experienced Dwayne Bravo along with one each from Jason Holder and Andre Russell helped the Indies to restrict the opponent to a decent total.

The Story Of The Game That The West Indies Won Against South Africa

In reply West Indies openers Andre Fletcher and Evin Lewis made a blistering start with an excellent opening stand of 85 in just seven overs. They literally took all the pressure and it was quite comfortable after that. Andre Russell came in to bat at number 4 and it did not take long to settle. He started with a gigantic six of the very first ball he faced of Kagiso Rabada. His quickfire 23 of 12 deliveries helped the Windies chase down 161 in just 15 overs. South Africa pacers apart from Anrich Nortje, had a terrible day on the field. Evin Lewis declared Man Of The Match for his brilliant knock of 71 from just 35 balls with a strike rate over 200.

“First ball? Kagiso Rabada bowling? Nah screw it… I’m Andre Russell” pic.twitter.com/jlWJMZzA6N

— Static_357 (@Static_a357) June 27, 2021

Russell’s return is a huge boost for the West Indies ahead of the ICC World T20 later this year. Two times World Champions in the T20’s, West Indies are looking for a formidable side under Kieron Pollard’s leadership. Russell is playing franchise cricket all over the world in major T20 leagues. Recently he played in the PSL for the Quetta Gladiators in the UAE. He insists that PSL is one of the major franchise tournaments currently. The big all-rounder had to go through quarantine before any tournament he plays and he says it has made a major impact on him mentally.

What Andre Russell Told Geo News After The Game?

“I think it is taking a toll on myself. I can not talk for any other player or coaches or anyone that goes through this whole quarantine stuff.”

“But it is definitely taken a toll on me mentally because from bubble to bubble, in a room locked in, you can not go out for a walk, you can not go certain places, you can not socialize, it is different. But at the end of the day, I am not being ungrateful, I am grateful that we are still playing, we are still doing our job. So it is tough for us.”

“I play IPL, I play big bash or Caribbean Premier League. I play in other leagues around the world. And I am definitely gonna say that PSL [is one of the top leagues around the world].”

In September, Russell will be heading back to the UAE to play the second phase of IPL for the Kolkata Knight Riders.