WI vs AUS: Andre Russell bids farewell with blazing 36, but Australia seal 2nd T20I with record partnership
Andre Russell
signed off from international cricket with a trademark power-hitting cameo, but his efforts weren't enough to prevent West Indies from slumping to an eight-wicket defeat against Australia in the second T20I at Sabina Park on Tuesday.
The visitors now lead the five-match series 2-0.
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In what was his 86th and final T20I, the 37-year-old Russell thrilled the hometown crowd one last time, smashing 36 off just 15 balls, laced with four sixes and two fours. Coming in at No. 7, he provided late fireworks and received a standing ovation as he walked off Sabina Park — the ground where his cricketing journey began.
Poll
What was your favorite moment from Andre Russell's final T20I match?
His explosive 36 runs
The standing ovation from the crowd
The guard of honour from both teams
'I didn't want to finish on a losing note,' Russell said after the match. 'As a kid, you dream about playing here. Thanks to all the fans who came out to support me.'
West Indies posted 172/8, built around Brandon King's 51, Russell's fiery farewell, and a late cameo from Gudakesh Motie (18 off 9). But the score proved insufficient against a dominant Australian chase.
Josh Inglis (78* off 42) and Cameron Green (56* off 29) put on a record 131-run stand for the third wicket — Australia's highest ever in T20Is for that position.
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The duo made light work of the target, guiding the visitors home with 28 balls to spare. Inglis cracked seven fours and five sixes, while Green chipped in with four sixes and three fours.
Shubman Gill and Gautam Gambhir's late meeting near Manchester pitch | Playing XI discussion
West Indies' cause wasn't helped by six dropped catches, which proved costly as the Aussies ran riot.
Before the match, Russell was honoured with a guard of honour by both teams. A two-time T20 World Cup winner (2012, 2016), Russell ends his career as one of West Indies' most iconic white-ball cricketers — a globetrotting T20 star whose explosive batting and electric fielding left a lasting legacy.
Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
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