Andre Russell crowned himself 2021 Abu Dhabi T10 champion after he produced an electrifying Man-of-the-Match performance to lead the Deccan Gladiators to a 56-run win over the Delhi Bulls on Saturday.

Russell, who was disappointing during the ICC T20 World Cup in the UAE mere weeks ago, hit nine fours and seven sixes in a 32-ball 90 that propelled the Gladiators to 159-0, a total that proved unreachable from Dwayne Bravo’s Bulls.

By comparison, Russell’s opening partner Tom Kohler-Cadmore, faced four fewer balls and hit three fours and three sixes to his unbeaten 59.

Together, they plundered the Bulls’ bowling attack that comprised Romario Shepherd (0-29), Dominic Drakes (0-33) Ravi Rampaul (0-28) and Bravo (0-32).

Russell would complete his standout performance taking 1-25 as the Delhi Bulls, which had won the toss and chose to field, could only muster 103-7 from their 10 overs, despite a 20-ball 42 from Chandrapaul Hemraj.

It was virtually a solo effort from Hemraj, who hit two fours and five sixes in his knock as Romario Shepherd (9) was the only other Caribbean player who contributed with the bat as Sherfane Rutherford,  Drakes and Bravo all failed to score.

Fittingly, Russell bowled Shepherd with the last ball of the match.

Odean Smith played his part taking 2-20, similar figures to Hasaranga da Silva. Tymal Mills was the best of the Gladiator bowlers with extraordinary figures of 2-4 from his two overs.