Russell onslaught fires Tallawahs into CPL final

Basseterre (St. Kitts), Aug 14 (IANS/CMC) A breathtaking onslaught from Andre Russell overpowered Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel and sent Jamaica Tallawahs rocketing into the finals of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) here.

Russell grew in stature as a finisher with yet another stunning display of power hitting in a top score of 62 not out from 27 deliveries, to steal victory from Red Steel Wednesday night after dislodging them from a winning position in the semi-finals, reports CMC.

Four towering sixes and five fours from Russell rescued the defending champions, who were staring defeat at 76 for six in the 14th over.

The allrounder's hitting allowed Tallawahs to cross the finish line with four wickets and two balls to spare after Red Steel had scored 155 for six in their 20 overs, in an enthralling contest at Warner Park.

Tallawahs lost wickets early and slumped to 39 for four.

Rusty Theron, who was not out on 18 and who had earlier picked up two wickets, provided good support lower down the order for Russell hitting the winning runs with a thumping six off Dwayne Bravo over long off.

Trinidad also suffered an early setback, throwing their wickets to David Bernard who took three before veteran New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor's swashbuckling knock of 70.

Taylor went on the offensive against the Jamaica Tallawahs attack to help the Red Steel recover from a slow start to finish at a respectable total of 154 for six after Chris Gayle won the toss and elected to bowl first.

Taylor, with support by Darren Bravo who scored 33, repaired the damage and played with minimum risks earlier on in the innings.

It was after the 11th over that Taylor went on rampage to unleash a flurry of sixes and fours but Trinidad let the advantage slip after losing Bravo and Taylor at a crucial juncture.

Sulieman Benn was the leading wicket-taker for the Red Steel with three for 27 from his four overs.

--IANS/CMC

sr/rd