Australia goes 1-0 up, credit goes to fifties from Owen and Green
Australia goes 1-0 up, credit goes to fifties from Owen and Green
WI vs AUS 1st T20I: Australia defeated the West Indies by three wickets in a high-scoring contest and takes a 1-0 lead in the five-match T20I series. Debutant Mitchell Owen scored fifty, helping Australia successfully chase down the Target of 190 runs with seven balls remaining.
Australia won a close match against the West Indies by three wickets at Sabina Park. Mitchell Owen had an amazing first game, performing well with both bat and ball, while Cameron Green scored a fast fifty. The match was full of exciting moments, big hits, and great efforts from both teams
Owen’s Debut of Dreams
Mitchell Owen had a debut to remember. He grabbed a key wicket with the ball and then exploded with the bat, smashing 50 off just 27 balls. His innings featured six huge sixes, and his fearless approach helped steady the Australian chase when they were under pressure at 78/4. By scoring a half-century on debut, Owen joined an elite club alongside legends Ricky Ponting and David Warner. His all-around brilliance earned him the Player-of-the-Match award.
Green’s Explosive Knock
Cameron Green, known more for top-order power hitting, adapted wonderfully to the middle order. He blazed 51 off just 26 balls with five sixes and two boundaries. Together, Green and Owen added 80 runs off 40 balls, flipping the game on its head and setting up the chase beautifully.
West Indies Collapse at the Death
West Indies were cruising at 123/1 in the 13th over, led by fluent fifties from Roston Chase (60 off 32) and Shai Hope (55 off 39). Shimron Hetmyer chipped in with a rapid 38 off 19. But the last five overs changed everything.
Ben Dwarshuis and Nathan Ellis bowled superbly at the death. Dwarshuis took 4/36, including three wickets in one over. Ellis backed him up with tight bowling that dried up runs and grabbed key scalps. Between them, they took four wickets for just seven runs in the last 16 balls, dragging West Indies from a strong position to a modest 189/8.
Early Drama with the Ball
Australia’s bowlers struggled at the start. Brandon King smashed four boundaries in the first three overs before spinner Cooper Connolly halted the momentum by dismissing him. Chase took a while to settle, but once he did, he played some stunning strokes and targeted Sean Abbott to race ahead.
But just when the West Indies looked set for 200+, they lost 6 wickets for 30 runs, ending well below expectations.
Australia’s Rocking Start and Early Stumbles
Australia’s chase began shakily. Fraser-McGurk struggled again, scoring just 2 off 7. Mitchell Marsh mixed powerful sixes with dot balls before edging one behind. Josh Inglis and Glenn Maxwell fell cheaply too, leaving Australia in deep trouble.
But Green and Owen stepped up. Owen showed no nerves, launching his very first ball for six and taking on both pace and spin. Green showed clever game awareness, rotating strike and picking his moments to attack.
Though both got out, trying to finish the chase in style, Australia held their nerve. Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, and Sean Abbott nudged their way through the final runs. West Indies' fielding faltered—Abbott was dropped with just seven runs needed, and a near run-out went begging.
Final Verdict
Australia out-hit West Indies with 17 sixes to just 9, showcasing their aggressive intent. While the top order wobbled, the middle order roared back to life. With sharp bowling and fearless batting, Australia secured a memorable win and took a 1-0 lead in the series.