West Indies overpower Bangladesh in rain-hit T20

basseterre — Kesrick Williams’ career-best bowling figures and a hurricane batting cameo by Andre Russell highlighted an efficient effort by the West Indies in defeating Bangladesh by seven wickets in the rainaffected opener of the three-match T20 International series at Warner Park in St Kitts on Tuesday.

After off-spinner Ashley Nurse rocked the visitors with the wickets of both openers without scoring in the first over of the match, fast bowler Williams claimed four for 28 to ensure there would be no substantial recovery for the tourists despite a fighting topscore of 35 from Mahmudullah as they finished at 143 for nine.

Set a revised target of 91 off 11 overs after rain delayed the West Indies response by more than 90 minutes, Russell blazed an unbeaten 35 off 21 balls with three fours and three sixes to ensure there were no alarms for the home side in taking a 1-0 lead ahead of the final two matches in Florida at the weekend.

They reached 93 for three off 9.1 overs.

Russell and Marlon Samuels (25) put on 42 for the third wicket after seamer Mustafizur Rahman despatched opening batsmen Evin Lewis and Andre Fletcher without conceding a run in his opening over to give the Bangladeshis hope of restraining the home side.

Rovman Powell then joined Russell after Samuels fell to Rubel Hossain to ensure the Caribbean team romped to the target. “Our intention is to win this series 3-0 after the disappointment of the onedayers,” said Russell, who was chosen as Man of the Match.—

AFP Andre Russell of West Indies hits a six during the opening T20 match against Bangladesh. Russell was later named the Man of the Match for his knock of 35 runs off 21 ball. —