Russell, DJ Bravo share spotlight as Dynamites crush Titans to advance

DHAKA, Bangladesh, CMC– West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell and Dwayne Bravo grabbed the spotlight with bat and ball to help Dhaka Dynamites crush Khulna Titans by 54 runs in the first qualifier of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) here yesterday.

COLOMBO, SRI LANKA - FEBRUARY 10:  Andre Russell of the West Indies poses during a portrait session ahead of the 2011 ICC World Cup at the Taj Simudra Hotel  on February 10, 2011 in Colombo, Sri Lanka.  (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Andre Russell
COLOMBO, SRI LANKA – FEBRUARY 10: Andre Russell of the West Indies poses during a portrait session ahead of the 2011 ICC World Cup at the Taj Simudra Hotel on February 10, 2011 in Colombo, Sri Lanka. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Andre Russell

In a spectacular all-round display, Russell slammed 46 to help Dhaka rebound from a poor start then took three wickets.

Bravo led the charge in the latter part of the innings with 23 not out and picked up three wickets to set up a clash with the winner of today’s second qualifier between Rajshahi Kings and Khulna.

Their efforts helped bowl out Khula for 86 runs in 16.2 overs after Dynamites posted 140 for 8 at Shere Bangla National Stadium.

Russell boosted Dynamites recovery efforts hitting four fours and three sixes in an innings that lasted  25 balls while Bravo’s late innings cameo of 23 from 22 balls included one six- the two putting on 49 runs for the seventh wicket.

West Indies batsman Andre Fletcher top scored in Khulna’s losing effort with 28 from 22 balls with four fours and a six.

Fletcher survived an lbw appeal in the first over amid a heated scene in which pace bowler Abu Jayed charged towards umpire Khalid Mahmood after he denied the appeal.

            DJ Bravo
DJ Bravo

The Grenadian cricketer also picked up two wickets for 22 runs from three overs with his leg spin bowling for Khulna.

West Indies wicketkeeper batsman Nicholas Pooran popped an easy catch to long-off when he was nine.

Russell finished with figures of three for 16 while Bravo picked up three wickets for 10 runs from 2.2 overs.