Wed, Jul 15, 2026
Wed, Jul 15, 2026
IPL: Russell slams 70* off 31 to floor Punjab Kings
Kolkata Knight Riders moved to the top of the Indian Premier League points table, thanks to a blistering innings from Andre Russell that saw them overcome Punjab Kings by six wickets on Friday.
Chasing 138, Knight Riders found themselves in some trouble at 51-4 after seven overs, but Russell took charge, dominating an unbroken partnership of 90 with Sam Billings to seal the victory in 14.3 overs.
Russell slammed eight sixes and two fours in 37 minutes of high octane action, ending on 70 off 31 balls.
Billings made a relatively pedestrian 24* off 23 in support. Shreyas Iyer made 26 off 15 as Rahul Chahar took 2-13.
Earlier, Umesh Yadav took 4-23 and Tim Southee 2-36 as wickets fell regularly for Punjab Kings.
They were bowled out in 18.2 overs with Bhanuka Rajapaksa scoring 31 off nine balls (3x4s, 3x6s) and Kagiso Rabada 25 off 16 (4x4s, 1×6).
IPL action continues on Saturday with a double-header. At 06:00h, Mumbai Indians take on Rajasthan Royals, followed by Gujarat Titans against Delhi Capitals from 10:00h.