In an exciting encounter, West Indies vs Australia saw Australia chase down a target of 190 with three wickets to spare, thanks to standout performances from debutant Mitchell Owen and Cameron Green. The thrilling match took place at Sabina Park, with Australia achieving victory despite a strong challenge from the West Indies.
Australia’s chase was set up by a stunning half-century from Green, who made 51 off 26 balls, and Owen, who scored a blistering 50 off 27 balls. The pair added 80 runs in just 40 balls, rescuing Australia from a precarious position at 78 for 4. Owen’s fearless batting earned him the Player-of-the-Match award, making him only the third Australian after Ricky Ponting and David Warner to score a half-century on T20I debut.
Earlier, West Indies vs Australia saw the West Indies post a competitive total of 189 for 8. Roston Chase and Shai Hope starred with the bat, making 60 and 55 respectively, but the West Indies faltered in the final overs. A brilliant death bowling display from Ben Dwarshuis (4-36) and Nathan Ellis helped Australia restrict the West Indies, with the pair taking four wickets for just seven runs in the last 16 balls.
Chase and Hope’s partnerships had given West Indies a solid foundation, but their lower order couldn’t capitalize. Dwarshuis and Ellis’ sharp bowling made a huge difference, with Ellis bowling a series of brilliant slower balls and yorkers, while Dwarshuis claimed three wickets in one over.
Australia’s chase wasn’t without its challenges. Fraser-McGurk’s misfire in the top order, followed by the dismissals of Mitchell Marsh and Glenn Maxwell, left the team in a tough spot. However, Green and Owen took control, with both playing intelligently and attacking at the right moments. Owen’s sixes off Andre Russell and Akeal Hosein helped Australia get closer to the target.
In the end, despite the loss of both Green and Owen, Australia managed to get across the line with help from Dwarshuis, Connolly, and Abbott. The West Indies fielding also played a role, as a dropped catch and a missed run-out allowed Australia to seal the win with seven balls to spare.
The West Indies vs Australia match showcased some incredible individual performances, with Australia emerging victorious in a high-intensity finish.
In other news, read about how New Zealand dominates Zimbabwe in the T20I Tri-Series with a comfortable victory
