Russell stars as WI take lead in T20 series

All-rounder Andre Russell celebrated his return to the West Indies team with a match-winning performance as the hosts took a 1-0 lead in the five-match T20 International series against England at Kensington Oval in Barbados last night.

Scores: England 171 all out (19.3 overs); West Indies 172 for six (18.1 overs).

Player of the Match Russell slammed an unbeaten 29 off 14 balls as West Indies won by four wickets with 11 balls remaining. Earlier he had taken three for 19 in his allotted four overs.

Sent in by the West Indies, England were given a bullet start by openers Phil Salt and Josh Butler. The pair piled up 77 off six overs before Salt fell for 40 off 20 balls. Butler slammed 39 off 31 balls before he went with the score on 117 for three. The only other batsman to pass 20 was Liam Livingstone with 27 off 19 balls as England lost their last five wickets for six runs.

Alzarri Joseph took three for 54 and Romario Shepherd two for 22.

Brandon King (22) Kyle Mayers (35) and Shai Hope (36) took West Indies to 123 for five before Rovman Powell and Russell exploded at the end to get West Indies across the line. Powell hit an unbeaten 31 off 15 balls with three fours and two sixes, while Russell slammed two fours and two sixes.

The leading bowler for England was Rehan Ahmed with three for 39. Adil Rachid took two for 25.