Russell powers Windies to T20 series lead

BASSETERRE, St Kitts (CMC):

All-rounder Andre Russell showcased his explosive hitting in a devastating cameo as he fired West Indies to a seven-wicket victory under Duckworth-Lewis-Stern, in the opening Twenty20 International against Bangladesh at Warner Park.

Chasing a revised target of 91 off 11 overs after rain during the interval delayed the start of the their run chase, West Indies motored to their target to get over the line with 11 deliveries to spare, with the clock just having ticked past midnight into the early hours of Wednesday.

Russell bludgeoned an unbeaten 35 off 21 balls, which included three fours and sixes while veteran Marlon Samuels stroked a typically classy 26 from 13 balls.

The Windies were slumping at 10 for two in the second over when Russell, promoted to number three, inspired two rollicking stands to wrench the advantage away from the visitors.

First, he put on 42 off 22 deliveries for the third wicket with Samuels before adding a further 41 from 21 balls in an unbroken fourth wicket stand with Rovman Powell (15 not out), who ended the match with a giant six over long-on off captain and left-arm spinner Shakib-al-Hasan.

Bangladesh had earlier gotten a top score of 35 from Madmudullah as they tallied a below-par 143 for nine, after they were sent in.

Liton Das chipped in with 24 but support throughout the innings was lacking as West Indies made crucial strikes at key stages to stall the visitors' progress.

Fast bowler Kesrick Williams was at the forefront of the attack, finishing with four for 28 while off-spinner Ashley Nurse (2-6) and seamer Keemo Paul (2-24) supported with two wickets apiece.

West Indies got off to a dream start when off-spinner Ashley Nurse grabbed two wickets inside the first four balls of the game, to stun Bangladesh up front.

The last two matches of the series will be a weekend doubleheader at the Central Broward Regional Park Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, United States.