Pune: Sunrisers Hyderabad skipper Kane Williamson termed Kolkata Knight Riders all-rounder Andre Russell as a ‘threat’ following Russell’s impressive performance in the Indian Premier League match on Saturday (14 May, 2022).
“I mean, largely, the first half was good. Dre Russ is always a threat. Showed his class. We tried to create partnerships but KKR were really good. We have been struggling with creating momentum in the last few games. (Washington) Sundar stepped up in the last over. Using our resources a little early didn’t work for us today,” said Williamson, at the post-match presentation.
The Kolkata Knight Riders’ hitman scored the maximum for his team with an unbeaten 49 off 28 balls. He also claimed maximum wickets in his spell of 3-22. Kolkata Knight Right were 94-5 when Russell came into the crease. He along with Sam Billings rebuilt the innings
Russell smashed boundaries off Umran Malik, T Natarajan and Bhuvneshwar Kumar off consecutive overs. Russell went into ‘God Mode’ in the final over facing spinner Washington Sundar. In the second innings Russell finished with a remarkable four dot balls in the final over of the match. Russell was very clear with his strategy: ‘You have to tough it out at times and stay till the back end, happy tonight.’
‘Before the last ball of the 19th over was bowled, I said, “Sunil, try and get a boundary, but let me start the over with the spinner.” Off-spinner to a right-hander, it’s like a kid in the candy shop. I got full tosses and I put it away,’ Russell concluded as he walked away with a host of awards.
“We wanted to get off to a good start. We wanted to get some momentum. There were glimpses and signs but wasn’t to be. The run rate got up and we were not able to pull it back. The game teaches us lessons and I am learning it right now,” Williamson added.
KKR are currently placed sixth in the 10-team league with 12 points while SRH are eighth position with 10 points.
