Russell and Joseph took three wickets each to limit England's first-innings score to 171 runs in 19.3 overs. In the second innings, Russell's rapid 29-run innings off just 14 balls, followed by Powell's 31 off 15 deliveries, led their team to a four-wicket victory in the first match of the T20I series.
After the game, Russell shared that he had hoped to become the 'Player of the Match' on his return to the team. He played a valuable role in the match by taking three wickets for only 19 runs, smashing two 4's and two 6's, and scoring a prestigious 29 runs at an impressive strike rate of 207.14 in Barbados.
“Life is so funny Bish (Ian Bishop). When I got selected for the West Indies team, I kept dreaming for 2 weeks, since I got the call-up. I was dreaming that I would be the Man of the Match in the first game. I didn't know how it would happen, but I kept believing. And it has happened tonight,” said Russell.
Russell continued by explaining, that Powell, helped him during their partnership. Powell encouraged them to continue batting until the end, and they jointly believed that they could finish the match themselves. They played through and achieved an unparalleled partnership of 49 runs, which helped West Indies secure their victory.
Following their win in Barbados, West Indies will get ready to take on England in the second match of the series at the National Cricket Stadium in Grenada on December 14.