- July 29, 2025
WI vs AUS (5th T20I) – Highlights
In WI vs AUS tour, under the Basseterre lights on July 28, AUS wrapped up their T20I series against the WI in dramatic fashion, claiming the 5th and final match by 3 wickets with 18 balls to spare. It was a high-octane affair featuring explosive hitting, clever bowling spells, and a couple of chaotic collapses—just the kind of T20 showdown you’d expect from these two cricketing heavyweights.
Batting first, WI started off with a bang but soon found themselves wobbling at 32 for 3 inside the fifth over. Shai Hope, captaining the side, fell early to Ben Dwarshuis, and Keacy Carty failed to get going. But then came the fireworks. With the elegance of a jazz solo and the power of a rock anthem, Hetmyer’s 52 off 31 was a genre-bending cameo. His timing was impeccable, and his strokeplay was vintage Caribbean flair.
Adding to the West Indian charge was Sherfane Rutherford, whose 35 off just 17 balls gave the innings a much-needed boost. Though wickets kept falling around them, a couple of brisk contributions from Jason Holder (20) and Matthew Forde (15) ensured the West Indies crossed the 170 mark. They were bowled out for exactly 170 in 19.4 overs, a competitive total given the slightly two-paced nature of the pitch.
Australia’s bowling menu had variety, but it was Chef Dwarshuis who served the spiciest spell of the night. Nathan Ellis grabbed two key wickets while Sean Abbott, Glenn Maxwell, Adam Zampa, and Aaron Hardie chipped in with one each. Despite leaking a few runs, they managed to prevent West Indies from truly running away with the innings.
In response, AUS top order had a mixed bag of fireworks and flops. Mitchell Marsh smashed a couple of boundaries early but was cleaned up by Alzarri Joseph for 14. In a blink, the innings turned brittle—Maxwell and Inglis outfoxed, and the visitors suddenly hanging by a thread at 25 for 3. But then came the counterpunch. Cameron Green and Tim David both launched into the West Indies attack, playing with authority and aggression. David’s cameo of 30 off 12 included four sixes—each more dismissive than the last.
The real game-changer, however, was Mitchell Owen. Blasting 37 off just 17 balls, he tore into the bowlers and turned the match on its head. By the time he was dismissed, Australia were comfortably placed. With chaos threatening to creep in, Hardie brought order to the chase—no fireworks, just cold-blooded precision.
Like a locksmith with a magic touch, Akeal spun the game shut on Australia, pocketing 3 wickets for just 17 runs. Joseph and Holder bagged two apiece but lacked support from the rest of the attack. The hosts were left to rue their missed opportunities, especially in the middle overs when Australia accelerated.
West Indies vs Australia Scoreboard
West Indies – 170 (19)
Australia – 173/7 (17/20)
Result – Australia won by 3 wickets (with 18 balls remaining)
Player of the Match – Ben Dwarshuis
Ben Dwarshuis
WI vs AUS Playing Eleven
West Indies | Brandon King, Shai Hope (c & wk), Keacy Carty, Sherfane Rutherford, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Romario Shepherd, Matthew Forde, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Jediah Blades |
Australia | Mitchell Marsh (c), Glenn Maxwell, Josh Inglis (wk), Cameron Green, Tim David, Mitchell Owen, Aaron Hardie, 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.
