Russell stars in Thunder win

SYDNEY, Australia (CMC):

Andre Russell's small all-round cameo helped Sydney Thunder to remain unbeaten in the Big Bash League with an uncomplicated seven-wicket win over Adelaide Strikers yesterday.

Asked to field first at the Sydney Showground Stadium, Thunder limited Strikers to 117 for nine off their 20 overs, with West Indies pacer Russell producing a key spell of two for 28 from his four overs.

Captain Brad Hodge top-scored with 34 from 33 deliveries with two fours and two sixes, while Adil Rashid got 25 from 18 balls and Mahela Jayawardene, 21 from 31 deliveries.

In reply, Thunder were propelled by opener Jacques Kallis's 49 from 48 deliveries, while Aiden Blizzard struck 35, in a 66-run first-wicket stand.

Russell arrived in the 15th over to blast two sixes in his 17 off seven deliveries as the hosts sped to their target with 21 balls remaining in the contest.

Thunder currently sit top of the standings with six points from a perfect three outings.