Australia Clinches T20I Series with Thrilling Victory Over West Indies

BASSETERRE: At Warner Park, Cameron Green’s steady half-century, coupled with Glenn Maxwell’s exceptional all-around performance, propelled Australia to a thrilling three-wicket win against the West Indies. This victory marks their fourth successive triumph in the T20I series.

Australia successfully chased down a target of 206, overcoming a shaky period in the middle overs, ultimately winning with four balls to spare, largely due to Green’s unbeaten 55 from 35 deliveries.

Josh Inglis laid the foundation for the chase, smashing 51 runs off 30 balls, while Maxwell, named Player of the Match, ignited the top order with a rapid 47 from just 18 balls.

The West Indies briefly threatened an upset, primarily through an impressive spell by Jediah Blades, in only his second game, who took 3/29 and sparked a collapse in the Australian middle order.

However, fielding lapses proved costly for the hosts, with several dropped catches undermining their efforts.

Australia’s fielding, in contrast, was sharp. Maxwell secured two catches, including a remarkable effort on the boundary, collaborating with Green to prevent Romario Shepherd from hitting a six. This play underscored the contrasting fielding performances of the two teams.

With Ben Dwarshuis and Tim David rested, Aaron Hardie and Xavier Bartlett made valuable contributions. Hardie claimed 2/24, and Bartlett took 2/39, securing crucial wickets during the powerplay.

Nathan Ellis delivered another masterful performance in the final overs, conceding only 21 runs from his four overs. Simultaneously, Adam Zampa and Sean Abbott combined to take five wickets, restricting the West Indies batting lineup.

Despite reaching 200, the West Indies achieved a T20I milestone of sorts, becoming the first team in T20I history to reach the score without an individual batter surpassing 34 runs.

Sherfane Rutherford scored the most runs with 31, while the middle order struggled to convert their starts. Rovman Powell and Shimron Hetmyer added quick runs but couldn’t capitalize, both succumbing to mistimed shots.

Australia’s catching prowess was evident, with Mitchell Owen making a diving catch to dismiss Hetmyer, and Hardie benefiting from two outstanding catches—a diving effort by Maxwell and a one-handed take from a drive by Roston Chase.

Romario Shepherd displayed promise with his power-hitting against Abbott, helping West Indies surpass 150 before the 15th over.

His innings concluded with a spectacular catch on the boundary by Maxwell, who leaped high for a two-handed grab, smartly flicking the ball back to Green before falling over the boundary.

Australia’s bowling in the final overs was precise, conceding just 41 runs in the last five overs, even after a rain delay interrupted Ellis’ final over.

Earlier, Blades dismissed Mitchell Marsh lbw for a duck in the first over. Marsh opted not to review, although replays indicated the ball might have pitched outside leg stump.

Australia began cautiously, scoring only 12 runs in the first two overs. However, Inglis quickly accelerated, hitting seven boundaries in 11 balls.

He and Maxwell propelled the team to 129 for 2 at the halfway point. Maxwell hit six sixes, including three consecutively, almost breaking Tim David’s recent record for the fastest T20I fifty by an Australian.

However, Maxwell’s dismissal off a miscue against Akeal Hosein triggered a collapse. Blades removed Owen and Connolly in quick succession but missed a return catch off Hardie, following an earlier dropped chance by Hope.

Green remained composed, securing his third half-century of the series and finding boundaries whenever West Indies threatened to build pressure.

A late dropped catch by Rutherford at deep midwicket, with just 11 runs needed, sealed West Indies’ fate, as Green guided Australia to victory.