Chinnaswamy erupts as Henry channels Andre Russell's hitting power
Chinelle Henry lit up Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday, February 22, powering the team to their first 2025 Women's Indian cricket league win. Her explosive 62-run knock against DC mirrored the hard-hitting style of her fellow countryman, Andre Russell.
Henry, who has played international cricket for over a decade, stepped up when her team needed her most. Coming in at No. 8 struggling at 89 for 6, she quickly turned the game around. Her aggressive batting helped the team reach a total of 177 for 9.
The stadium’s atmosphere changed when Henry took the field. Despite a smaller crowd, her first four balls sent the fans into a frenzy. She hit a massive 81-meter six over deep midwicket, igniting cheers from the audience. Each of her sixes brought more thrill as spectators stood up to applaud her excellent hitting.
After the match, Henry shared her thoughts on her performance. ‘I knew the task, I knew what I had to do,’ she said. Her coach, Jon Lewis, encouraged her to play freely, which helped her focus and perform well. Henry's confidence showed as she hit eight sixes and two fours during her innings.
Henry's success is not just luck; it comes from hard work and practice. She mentioned that she often practices ‘range hitting’ in training, preparing for high-pressure situations. ‘Most of the time, I go into bat with five overs to go. That's when I have to perform,’ she explained. This mindset made her a reliable finisher, a role she fully embraced in T20 cricket.
Her sharp game awareness and confidence in her strengths stood out. Even when DC tried to target her weaknesses, Henry remained focused. She took advantage of every chance, hitting boundaries and scoring quickly. ‘It doesn't matter where they bowl, whatever the ball is doing—once it's in that arc, I'm going to back my strengths, I'm going to back my ability, and I'm just going to smack it,’ she added.
The match turned in the 17th over when Henry faced Shikha Pandey. She hit aggressive shots past extra cover and short third before launching two massive sixes over long-on and straight down the field. That over alone added 24 runs, turning the tide. Even Annabel Sutherland, known for her smart bowling, couldn’t stop Henry, who sent two balls to the boundary.
Henry's performance secured a win and showcased her potential as a key player in the match. Fans are keen to see if she can continue this form and inspire her team further.As the 2025 Indian women’s league progresses, all eyes will be on Henry. She aims to channel Andre Russell's explosive style, and her recent performance suggests she is well on her way.
