The eighth match of the 2022 edition of the Indian Premier League is now in the history books. The match will be remembered for the performances of two players – Umesh Yadav and Andre Russell. In the first innings of the battle between the Punjab Kings and the Kolkata Knight Riders, Yadav scalped four wickets and helped the Kolkata-based franchise bowl their opponents out for 137 runs.
Bhanuka Rajapaksa top-scored for the Punjab Kings with a nine-ball 31. Kagiso Rabada scored 25 runs on his Punjab Kings debut. Yadav picked up four wickets and he received great support from Tim Southee, who accounted for two wickets.
Chasing 138 runs to win their second match in IPL 2022, the Kolkata Knight Riders did not get off to the best start. They lost wickets at regular intervals and were down to 51/4 after seven overs. Andre Russell then came to the middle and changed the game with a 31-ball 70. He smacked two fours and eight sixes in his incredible knock.
Speaking to the host broadcaster after receiving the IPL 2022 Orange Cap, Russell said:
“Feeling awesome. This is the reason why we play the game. I know what I can do in that position. It was good to have someone like Sam in that situation as well. Once I set in, I backed myself to go on from there and that’s what I told him. I’m happy to do whatever the team requires.”
Fans on Twitter go crazy after Andre Russell blows away the Punjab Kings team
Here’s how the cricket universe on Twitter reacted to the excellent batting performance of Andre Russell tonight:
Andre Russell loves KKR, KKR loves Andre Russell – the franchise has sent him to Texas for working his fitness after IPL 2020, had tough times again in IPL 2021 but has started well in IPL 2022 with his brute power. pic.twitter.com/50lgfOvkT3
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) April 1, 2022
In IPL 2022 currently:
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) April 1, 2022
Table Toppers – KKR.
Orange Cap – Andre Russell.
Purple Cap – Umesh Yadav.
It's still travelling! ☄️#AndreRussell #KKRHaiTaiyaar #KKRvPBKS #IPL2022 pic.twitter.com/g8fMs0cnmo
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) April 1, 2022
Andre Russell showing Odean Smith that he has a long, long, long way to go to become Dre Russ! 👍👍
— Cricketjeevi (@wildcardgyan) April 1, 2022
Kkr is so much stronger with Andre Russell in the best mode! #KKRvsPBKS
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) April 1, 2022
This is Andre Russell batting. Bowlers and Umpires everyone in danger. pic.twitter.com/phLH6FvIiJ
— CricketMAN2 (@ImTanujSingh) April 1, 2022
Andre Russell : The Monster in IPL. Single handedly made this match one sided, what a hitter of the ball. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/ccdNZiGgW8
— Akshat (@AkshatOM10) April 1, 2022
Time & again, andre Russell will come in & save kkr batting. What a KKR legend.
— arfan (@Im__Arfan) April 1, 2022
Andre Russell today was in monstrous form !
— Sushil Gaikwad (@onlysushil) April 1, 2022
What a show of powerful hitting ! Towering 8 sixes ! #KKRvsPBKS pic.twitter.com/36PCxklo1A
Andre Russell saving KKR from a big mess and winning the game with such ease, IPL is officially back in India
— Dave (@CricketDave27) April 1, 2022
