Australia Completes T20I Series Whitewash Against West Indies

HOBART: Australia exhibited dominant batting to achieve a conclusive 5-0 T20I series victory against the West Indies. The final match highlighted Australia’s superior form throughout the series.

The combined efforts of Tim David and Mitchell Owen, who together struck seven sixes, enabled Australia to comfortably surpass the target. This series recorded the second-highest number of sixes in a bilateral T20I series, illustrating the batsmen’s impact.

Aaron Hardie wrapped up the chase, succeeding Akeal Hosein’s brief but energetic bowling display that temporarily raised the West Indies’ hopes.

Earlier, Australia’s disciplined bowling set the stage for their win, after captain Mitchell Marsh won his fifth consecutive toss of the series, totaling eight toss victories in eight matches, and chose to field first.

Australia made quick advances, securing three wickets during the powerplay, thereby disrupting the West Indies’ top order early on.

Despite a 47-run partnership between Shimron Hetmyer and Jason Holder for the fifth wicket—with Hetmyer achieving his first T20I half-century since August 2023—the tourists struggled to gain significant ground. Hetmyer’s dismissal immediately after reaching his fifty stunted their attempted recovery.

Nathan Ellis delivered another strong performance late in the innings, also executing a quick fielding play off his own bowling to run out the last batter.

Adam Zampa commemorated his 100th T20I match by taking a wicket, joining the ranks as the fourth Australian male player to reach this milestone.

Australia’s innings began dramatically when Jason Holder claimed two wickets in his first over, and Alzarri Joseph bowled Mitchell Marsh.

However, Tim David launched a counterattack, scoring 30 runs off just 12 balls, including four sixes within the first five overs. From there, the required run rate was never a concern.

The West Indies’ chances diminished further when Joseph had to leave the field due to an injury. Although Hosein bowled with precision, the score wasn’t sufficient to challenge Australia’s aggressive batting lineup.

Ben Dwarshuis reinforced his reputation as a reliable left-arm pace bowler, quickly making an impact by dismissing Shai Hope and Brandon King.

Despite an expensive final over, conceding 19 runs including a six off a free hit, he concluded with three wickets, notably the crucial dismissal of Hetmyer, who was caught by Sean Abbott running in from long-off.

Glenn Maxwell had a mixed performance, dropping an easy catch at mid-on and being dismissed for a golden duck.

Nonetheless, he partially compensated with the ball, dismissing the threatening Sherfane Rutherford just as he began to build momentum. Rutherford scored 35 off 16 balls, revitalizing the West Indies after their shaky start, but Maxwell bowled him out. Once Rutherford was out, Maxwell’s job with the ball was complete.

Australia sustained their aggressive batting approach even after losing early wickets. Josh Inglis was dismissed attempting a reverse scoop, while Marsh briefly displayed form before being caught out by a sharp delivery from Joseph.

David retaliated with a fierce assault on Holder and Joseph, only to miscue a shot to deep square leg.

Mitchell Owen continued the onslaught, smashing consecutive sixes off Matthew Forde, with one landing on the stadium roof. Hosein, brought into the attack later, struck on his second ball to dismiss Owen, but the match’s outcome was already determined.

Cameron Green, later named Player of the Series, appeared set to finish the chase but was dismissed with 30 runs still needed.

Aaron Hardie ensured no last-minute complications. Despite Hosein dismissing Dwarshuis towards the end, the victory was already assured.