West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell, renowned for his six-hitting prowess in T20s, showcased his ability once again with a colossal 107-metre six. Playing for the Los Angeles Knight Riders (LAKR) in USA's Major League Cricket (MLC), Russell smashed Pakistan's Haris Rauf in the final over of their innings. This powerful hit, along with 15 runs from the 20th over, helped LAKR reach a total of 165/6 against the San Francisco Unicorns, though they ultimately failed to defend the score.
The video of the six went viral on social media, posted by the official account of Major League Cricket. In the third ball of the final over, Russell launched a pitched-up delivery by Haris Rauf over the mid-wicket region into the stands, marking the longest six of the MLC season two. Russell's unbeaten 25-ball 40 significantly contributed to LAKR's fighting score.
Despite Russell's heroics, LAKR's total was insufficient as the San Francisco Unicorns chased down the target in just 15.2 overs. LAKR now have one win and two defeats after three games, a disappointing start after finishing at the bottom of the table in the previous season.
Andre Russell has been in excellent form in 2024. He played a crucial role in Kolkata Knight Riders' IPL 2024 triumph, scoring 222 runs and taking 19 wickets, finishing as the joint fourth-highest wicket-taker in the tournament. However, his performance in the 2024 T20 World Cup on home soil was less impressive, with West Indies exiting in the Super 8 stage despite winning all their group games.
Russell has moved past the T20 World Cup disappointment and reunited with Kolkata Knight Riders teammate Sunil Narine, who is captaining LAKR in the MLC. LAKR's next match is against the San Francisco Unicorns again on Sunday, July 14.