Felt no pressure: Russell

When Andre Russell arrived at the crease for the Dhaka Dynamites, they were struggling at 89 for 6. It was a crucial game and the Dynamites, as Shakib Al Hasan said during the post-match presentation yesterday, were under pressure.

Russell went on to hammer a 25-ball 46 and changed the course of the game. You would think that the West Indian might have been a bit nervous, but Russell claimed that he was confident throughout his innings while speaking to reporters after the game yesterday.

“I think I am mature enough to know my game so I wasn't feeling any pressure. I have been in those situations a lot of times and I know what I can do.

“The wicket wasn't spinning and it was just sliding on. So I knew that if I got in I could start attacking. If it was turning then yes there would have been plenty of pressure. But on this wicket I wasn't pressured at all,” said Russell.

The Dynamites eventually went on to post 140 and won the game, but Russell felt that the score was below-par.

“To be honest, from my point of view I think it wasn't enough but when we actually started warming up, I said listen there are runs on the board, let's just go there and fight.

“Let's go out and play fearless cricket and not worry about the result. I think 140 wasn't enough based on the goodness of the wicket but we bowled excellently and credit goes where it goes,” said Russell.

A specialist T20 player who has played all around the world, Russell lauded the unity in his team and believed that it was one of the factors that led them to the final.

“I think we have a wonderful unit and that's what's allowing us to play the way we are.  Once you have a good team, you stick together whether you lose or win. We have a fantastic management. It's just chill. They allow you to be relaxed and there is no pressure on us,” said Russell.

While Russell was happy with his team's performance, Khulna coach Stuart Law was understandably disappointed.

“First of all I thought we bowled well and fielded well. They needed some power hitting to get to a total of 140. We got a good start in our Powerplay as well, but after that we were just not good enough. We were outplayed. The batsmen probably need to look at the mirror and analyse their own performance,” said Law.