An outstanding batting display by Andre Russell has gone in vain as Washington Freedom defeated his Los Angeles Knight Riders (LAKR) side by six wickets in the Major League Cricket (MLC) 2023.
The West Indies star smacked 70 runs off 37 deliveries at the Church Street Park in Morrisville, but the Knight Riders could not defend the set total of 175/7 on Saturday.
Chasing 176 for victory, the Washington team made a strong start, with opening batters – Matthew Short and Andries Gous – adding 74 runs in the powerplay.
Despite Gous’ dismissal for 40 (15), the momentum was still in Washington’s favour. Though Mukhtar Ahmed (15 off 11) couldn’t make a significant contribution, the damage had already been done.
Glenn Phillips quickly joined the crease and played a brisk cameo of 29 runs. While Washington appeared to be smoothly sailing towards victory, two quick wickets from the Knight Riders’ spinners offered a glimpse of hope. However, captain Moises Henriques and Obus Pienaar displayed composure and steered their side to a comprehensive triumph with 11 balls to spare.
It was Washington’s second win in three games while the Knight Riders faced their fourth successive defeat in the tournament.
LAKR sits at the bottom in the points table, with no hopes of qualifying for the playoffs. The Sunil Narine-led side will take on Seattle Orcas in their last fixture at the same venue on Sunday, July 23.
For his blistering knock, Russell was adjudged the ‘Player of the Match.’
“The body is good, most games in T20 you have to play with a niggle. I have perhaps played only a 100 games fully fit,” Russell disclosed about his injury in the post-match interview.
Speaking about his batting performance and the Knight Riders’ match results, the power-hitter said: “We still have one game to go, we will see how things are. I’m enjoying batting, but our team results are an issue. Hope we can finish strong, finish with a win and have a glass of Orange juice for that.
“We still have a good unit, need to keep backing ourselves.”
