[Watch] Andre Russell sent packing at crucial moment by brilliant direct hit from Anrich Nortje in SA-WI 2024 T20 World Cup Super Eight clash
West Indian all-rounder Andre Russell was dismissed by Anrich Nortje's fielding brilliance at a crucial stage of the 2024 T20 World Cup Super Eight clash against South Africa at Antigua on Sunday, June 23. In a virtual quarterfinal for the second semi-final spot from the Super Eight Group 2, the Windies were reeling at 94/5 in 14 overs when Russell walked out to the middle.
The swashbuckling all-rounder prodded along to two from six deliveries before launching back-to-back sixes off Nortje. Yet, just as he began to unleash, the greed to get back on strike in the first ball of the 18th over proved costly.
Russell set off from the non-striker's end after Akeal Hosein knocked a harmless delivery from Kagiso Rabada to short third man. However, Nortje took his time and knocked the poles down to catch Russell inches off the crease in a body blow to West Indian hopes.
Here is a video of Nortje's brilliance to send the ace all-rounder on his way back to the pavilion:
Despite Russell's quickfire nine-ball 15, the West Indies struggled to finish strongly and ended on 135/8 in their 20 overs.
After a well-compiled half-century by Roston Chase propelled them to a solid 86/2 in the 12th over, the Caribbean side lost their next four wickets for just 11 runs.
South Africa adopted a 'spin to win' policy to perfection as the three spinners- Keshav Maharaj, Tabraiz Shamsi, and Aiden Markram combined for figures of 79/5 in 12 overs.
Andre Russell sparks West Indian comeback in his opening over with the ball
After only scoring a sub-par 135, West Indies needed an excellent start from their bowlers to garner hopes of winning the South Africa clash. However, Hosein's opening over went for 12 runs, all from the blade of Quinton de Kock.
Just as West Indian hopes were teetering on the edge, Russell brought life into the contest with a double strike in his opening over. The champion all-rounder strangled Reeza Hendricks caught behind down the leg side before bouncing out dangerman De Kock to leave the Proteas 15/2 in two overs.
With the game tantalizingly poised, the rain intervened to halt play. It is worth remembering that five overs of the South African innings must be bowled for a result.
Should a no-result ensue and points be shared, South Africa will finish atop the Super Eight Group 2 standings and qualify for the semi-finals, while the West Indies will be eliminated.