Jamaica: Andre Russell brought the curtains down on his T20I career in trademark style, treating fans to one final display of raw power and entertainment. In his farewell match for West Indies, the dynamic allrounder smashed 36 runs off just 15 balls, including four sixes and two fours, in a blistering cameo that electrified Sabina Park.
Coming in at a precarious 98/5, Russell received a guard of honour from both teams as he walked out for one last time in West Indies colours. What followed was a vintage Dre Russ spectacle.
Facing left-arm seamer Ben Dwarshuis in the 15th over, Russell wasted no time unleashing his fury – three sixes in a single over. The first was a classic straight hit, the second a top-edge that flew over the keeper, and the third a towering shot over long-on. He wasn’t done yet.
In the next over, bowled by Adam Zampa, Russell cracked a cut shot to the boundary before dispatching the leg-spinner for a massive six over deep midwicket. The pressure told – Zampa followed it up with back-to-back wides.
Russell’s strike rate of 240 perfectly captured the intensity of his brief but thrilling innings. While West Indies finished on 172, Australia chased it down comfortably, winning by eight wickets with 11 balls to spare, thanks to strong knocks from Cameron Green and Josh Inglis.
Despite the result, the night belonged to Russell.
“…It was a bit emotional walking out there for the last time,” Russell reflected post-match. “But I stayed focused on doing my job. When your intent is positive, the big hits come naturally. Playing at Sabina Park was my childhood dream – today, that dream came true. If you dream it, you can achieve it.”
With his retirement from T20Is, Andre Russell departs the international stage leaving behind a legacy of explosive finishes, iconic sixes, and memories that West Indies fans will cherish for years.
