West Indies recruit Andre Russell lived up to his reputation as the best power-hitter of the world as Comilla Victorians ended Rangpur Riders' eight-match winning streak in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) T-20, securing a six-wicket victory at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram on Tuesday (Feb 20).
Russell who struck a brutal 12 ball-43 not out with four fours and as many sixes, also took 3-20 to demonstrate a complete allround performance. His three-wicket haul was complemented by young Musfik Hasan's 3-18 as Comilla bundled out Rangpur for 150 in 19.5 overs. Russell then led the side to victory as Comilla reached 151 in just 17.4 overs.
The victory ensured Comilla's top two finish with 16 points from 11 matches. They have still one match. Rangpur who leads the table with 18 points from 12 matches earlier made it sure they would end up as top two teams, meaning the two sides will meet again in the Qualifier-1.
Shakib Al Hasan kept Rangpur in the contest with 3-20, which reduced Comilla to 103-4 in 14.3 overs. However, Russell's powerful finish denied Rangpur to end their group phase contest with a victory.
Captain Liton Das scored a patient 43 and kept the scoreboard ticking along with Mahidul Islam Ankan after the early departure of Sunil Narine (15) and Towhid Hridoy (0). Ankan scored a rapid 39 off 29 before being dismissed by Abu Hider Rony.
Put into bat first, Rangpur scored 150, thanks to James Neesham's 69 not out. He hit nine fours and two sixes in his 42-ball-knock. Shakib was the only other notable contributor with 19-ball 24 amid a top order collapse that saw Rangpur reeling to 68-5 before Neesham drove the side singly.
