Russell stars as Thunder beat Sixers in Sydney derby

SYDNEY, Australia, CMC – West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell made an emphatic start to his Big Bash campaign, snatching three wickets to help fire Sydney Thunder to a convincing 36-run victory over Sydney Sixers in the opening game here yesterday.

With Sixers chasing 159 for victory at the Sydney Showground Stadium, pacer Russell claimed three for 13 in a brilliant four-over spell to limit their scoring and reduce them to 122 all out off 19.5 overs.

Opener Michael Lumb struck 34 from 27 deliveries with four fours but he was only one of four players in double figures and the only one to pass 14.