CHATTOGRAM, Bangladesh, CMC – Explosive West Indies all-rounder, Andre Russell, failed with the bat but starred with the ball, an effort which helped Minister Group Dhaka thrash Comilla Victorians by 50 runs in the Bangladesh Premier League yesterday.
Sent in at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Minister Group Dhaka piled up 181 for six off their 20 overs, with Russell managing only 11 batting at number six.
He arrived at the crease in the 14th over, lashed a four and a six, before having his leg stump pegged back by left-arm spinner Tanvir Islam (2-36).
Captain Mahmudullah top-scored with an unbeaten 70 off 41 deliveries, smashing three fours and four sixes while Tamim Iqbal supported with 46 from 35 balls, including two fours and three sixes.
Tamim put on 48 for the second wicket with Imran Uzzaman (15) and another 30 for the third with Mahmudullah, who then also added 30 for the sixth wicket with Mohammad Naim (10) to carry the lower order.
In reply, Victorians were bowled out for 131 in the 18th over, with Russell capturing three for 17 with his medium fast bowling.
Opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy top-scored with 46 from 30 balls, inspiring a 70-run, third wicket stand with Imrul Kayes who made 28 from 23 deliveries, to pull the run chase around from danger at 12 for two in the third over.
But Russell bowled both in the 11th over and Victorians lost their last eight wickets for 49 runs in quick time.
In the other game of the day, veteran West Indies star Chris Gayle perished for a 19-ball 25 as his Fortune Barishal beat Chattogram Challengers by 14 runs.
Barishal were dismissed for 149 in the final over with former West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo scoring four but he returned to take two for 35 as Challengers crumbled for 135, with West Indies batsman Chadwick Walton scoring 16.
