Andre Russell Creates History Becomes Fastest Player to Reach 9000 T20 Runs

Andre Russell, a West Indies all-rounder, made history on Saturday, February 1st, in Match 27 of the DP World ILT20. Playing for the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, Russell became the fastest player to reach 9000 runs in T20 cricket in terms of balls faced. In the ILT20 2025, Russell overtook Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell (5,915 balls) to take the top spot. The Jamaican all-rounder achieved the feat by hitting Gulf Giants pacer Tom Curran for a boundary during his brief stint at the crease.

Russell is ranked 25th on the list of players who have scored the most runs in T20 cricket. With a strong strike rate of 169.15 and an average of 26.79, he has amassed 9004 runs from 536 games. The 36-year-old's cat has two hundred and thirty-one fifties. Chris Gayle, a fellow countryman, tops the chart with 14,562 runs from 463 games. Russell is one of the most feared T20 cricket players in the world due to his aggressive batting style and unrivalled power-hitting. The accomplishment solidifies his standing as a game-changer who can win games on his own.

Andre Russell's New Milestone:

1. Andre Russell (West Indies) – 5,321 balls
2. Glenn Maxwell (Australia) – 5,915 balls
3. AB de Villiers (South Africa) – 5,985 balls
4. Kieron Pollard (West Indies) – 5,988 balls
5. Chris Gayle (West Indies) – 6,007 balls

By his high standards, the all-rounder's performances in this DP World ILT20 have been mediocre. At a strike rate of 158.53, he has amassed 130 runs from nine innings while hitting seven fours and twelve sixes. Russell is bowling poorly, taking two wickets in three innings at an economy rate of 11.42. Thanks to his medium-fast bowling, he has taken 466 wickets at an economy rate of 8.71 and an average of 25.55. Although he has not retired from international cricket, the West Indian now primarily plays for franchise teams.

The Knight Riders, meanwhile, are struggling for a knockout spot at the bottom of the table. To have a chance of qualifying, they would also want other outcomes to go their way. On Sunday, February 2, Abu Dhabi will play its final league game against the Dubai Capitals at the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai.

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