‘Beast mode’: Andre Russell’s stunning demolition in Indian Premier League clash

Andre Russell has powered the Kolkata Knight Riders to victory over the Punjab Kings, smacking an explosive half-century.

He’s still got it.

West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell has powered the Kolkata Knight Riders towards a six-wicket victory over the Punjab Kings in Mumbai, smacking a quick-fire half-century in the Indian Premier League on Saturday morning AEDT.

Russell, who represented the Melbourne Stars in five matches this summer, pummelled an unbeaten 70 from 31 balls to chase the paltry 138-run target with 33 balls to spare at Wankhede Stadium.

His remarkable knock featured eight sixes and two fours.

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After the Knight Riders won the toss and elected to field first, Punjab crawled its way towards a team total of 137 – wicketkeeper Bhanuka Rajapaksa top-scored with 31 from nine deliveries.

Indian paceman Umesh Yadav was the chief destroyer with the ball, claiming 4/23 from his four overs – New Zealand international Tim Southee also snared two wickets.

In response, Kolkata briefly found itself in dire straits when leg-spinner Rahul Chahar struck twice in a double wicket maiden to leave the side reeling at 4/51 in the seventh over.

Enter Russell.

Batting at No. 6, the 33-year-old quickly eradicated any fears within the Knight Riders camp, combining with England wicketkeeper Sam Billings for an unbeaten 90-run partnership for the fifth wicket.

Incredibly, Russell scored just two runs from his first seven balls before smashing 68 runs from his next 24 deliveries, the highlight being a 30-run over off Jamaican seamer Odean Smith that featured four sixes.

Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan tweeted: “KKR is so much stronger with Andre Russell in the best mode!”

Andre Russell magic!!!!!

Kolkata was 51 for 4 from 7 overs then Russell smashed unbeaten 70 runs from just 31 balls including 2 fours and 8 sixes while chasing 138 runs - What a knock, Russ. pic.twitter.com/SKveK6jSjb

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) April 1, 2022

Mad knock by Andre Russell - 70* from 31 balls with 2 fours and 8 sixes. A ridiculous innings from the muscular man, totally sealed the game for KKR. pic.twitter.com/blsQ7t9oQl

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) April 1, 2022

Lowest balls per six ratio in the Indian Premier League

6.50 – Andre Russell

9.34 – Chris Gayle

10.22 – Kieron Pollard

11.87 – Glenn Maxwell

14.18 – Yusuf Pathan

* Minimum 1000 balls

“We didn’t bat well enough,” Punjab captain Mayank Agarwal said after the loss.

“We showed some real fight with the ball initially but then Russell came in and got going. Credit to him for that.”

Yadav was named Player of the Match as Kolkata secured its second victory of the T20 tournament.

“Simply outstanding hitting – it was Russell muscle, for serious,” Kolkata captain Shreyas Iyer said after the match.

The Knight Riders will next face the Mumbai Indians on Wednesday evening, with the first ball scheduled for midnight AEDT.