In what comes as a huge boost for KKR fans, Andre Russell was at his imperious best ahead of IPL 2024. During the third and final T20I between Australia and West Indies in Perth, the Jamaican-born ensured to let his willow speak huge volumes by playing a fearless brand of cricket.

Adam Zampa who came trumps against Andre Russell in the second T20I suffered the brunt of the Caribbean’s brutal batting endeavors in the penultimate over of West Indies’ innings in the dead rubber. He showed no mercy as he piled up 28 runs (6,0,4,6,6,6) off Zampa's bowling.

Andre Russell thrashes Adam Zampa in the 19th over

The 35-year-old smacked four maximums in the same over, which also saw Zampa record his worst-ever bowling figures (1/67) in Twenty20 Internationals. Sherfane Rutherford and Russell stitched together a world-record sixth-wicket partnership of 139 runs.

While Sherfane Rutherford remained unbeaten on 67 off 40 balls including 5 fours and 5 sixes, Russell chipped in with 71 off just 29 balls, eclipsing 4 fours and 7 maximums at a strike-rate of 167.50 as the Caribbeans posted a huge total of 220/6 in their quota of 20 overs.

In response, Australia did put up a fight in the run-chase but their efforts weren’t enough for them to get over the line. David Warner top-scored with 81 off 49 (9 fours and 3 sixes) as Australia ended up at 183/5 in 20 overs. The tourists restored pride by winning the dead rubber and evaded a whitewash whereas the hosts won the first two games and the series.

Russell was adjudged the Player of the Match for his scintillating knock. "We didn’t start the way we wanted and had to play catch-up. Think we did well tonight, credit to the boys. I wasn’t worried about Sherfane Rutherford being on strike, I just wanted to support him. We’re happy with where we are at, I think we are peaking at the right time. To be here and to score 200+ every innings was great, I think once we get the bowling right we’ll be a great side," he said after the match.