Russell helps Knights to second win

PORT ELIZABETH, South Africa (CMC):

West Indies all-rounder AndrÈ Russell led a dominant bowling performance to help steer Knights to a comfortable eight-wicket victory over Dolphins in South Africa's Ram Slam T20 Challenge yesterday.

Russell grabbed three wickets for 15 runs from four overs, one of which was a maiden, while his teammate Malusi Siboto also took three wickets for 13 runs in a low-scoring encounter at St George's Park, Port Elizabeth.

Dolphins were restricted to 82 for 9 in 20 overs, giving Knights an easy chase before securing victory at 85 for two in 13 overs.

Dolphins, who elected to bat, were off to a horrible start and were left reeling at 35 for 5 at the end of the 10th over.

FAILED TO RECOVER

They failed to recover from that start as wickets fell regularly, including two run-outs, with the only resistance coming from West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo.

Bravo was the only batsman to score more than 15 and smashed two fours in a 24-ball 23 top score, before he was dismissed by Russell in the final over.

Knights were off to a shaky start after losing both openers within the first three overs.

However, Theunis de Bruyn (42) and Aubrey Swanepoel (30) posted an unbeaten 75-run partnership, which helped the Knights reach their target with eight overs to spare.

The victory was Knights' second of the season.