- July 21, 2025
WI vs. AUS (1st T20I) – Highlights
In a high-octane T20I clash in Kingston, Australia edged past West Indies by three wickets with seven balls to spare, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Chasing a stiff target of 190, the Aussies displayed resilience and timely fireworks to snatch victory from the jaws of pressure, despite several hiccups along the way.
Batting first, West Indies posted an imposing total of 189 for 8, thanks to a powerful middle-order surge. Shai Hope, captaining the side, anchored the innings with a classy 55 off 39 balls, finding the boundary rope four times and clearing it thrice. He was well-supported by Roston Chase, who batted with striking intent and flair, smashing 60 from just 32 balls. Chase’s innings included nine crisp boundaries and a couple of sixes, providing the West Indies innings with the much-needed momentum.
The real fireworks, however, came from Shimron Hetmyer. His 38 off 19 deliveries, studded with three sixes, gave the Caribbean innings a late push. But the hosts faltered in the death overs, losing a flurry of wickets—five falling in the space of just 11 balls. Andre Russell, Sherfane Rutherford, Jason Holder, and Hetmyer all fell in quick succession, which stalled their final surge.
Ben Dwarshuis was the pick of the Aussie bowlers, claiming 4 for 36 and showing his control during the high-pressure overs. Nathan Ellis and Cooper Connolly chipped in with one wicket each, while Sean Abbott and Mitchell Owen also took crucial scalps to restrict the Windies to a total just shy of 190.
In response, Australia had a stuttering start, losing Jake Fraser-McGurk early. Mitchell Marsh and Josh Inglis tried to steady the innings, but it was Cameron Green who turned the tide. The tall all-rounder unleashed a furious assault, hammering 51 off just 26 balls, including five towering sixes. He found an able ally in Mitchell Owen, who matched Green stroke for stroke and ended with a blistering 50 off 27 deliveries. Their 94-run partnership proved to be the match-defining phase for Australia.
As the game was slipping from the West Indies, Gudakesh Motie and Alzarri Joseph hit back quickly, which led to a flurry of late wickets. Turning the ball with skill and sticking to a tight line, Motie ended with figures of 2/29. Joseph took two more. Australia maintained their composure, with the visitors completing the task in the 19th over to finish at 190 for 7 with Ben Dwarshuis and Sean Abbott finishing the job.
Despite the loss, West Indies will take positives from their top-order performance, while Australia will be pleased with the depth in their batting and their composure under pressure. With two more T20Is to go, the series promises more thrilling cricket.
West Indies vs. Australia Scoreboard
West Indies – 189/8 (20)
Australia – 190/7 (18.5)
Result – Australia won by 3 wickets (with 7 balls remaining)
Player of the Match – Mitchell Owen
Mitchell Owen
WI vs. AUS Playing Eleven
West Indies | Brandon King, Shai Hope (c & wk), Roston Chase, Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Andre Russell, Sherfane Rutherford, Jason Holder, Gudakesh Motie, Alzarri Joseph, Akeal Hosein |
Australia | Mitchell Marsh (c), Jake Fraser-McGurk, Josh Inglis (wk), Cameron Green, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Owen, Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, Sean Abbott, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa |
Disclaimer: These Match highlights reflect the author’s insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the points discussed and form their own conclusions.
