The West Indies took advantage of a sensational late pounding crash from Australia to beat the guests by 18 runs in the first of five Twenty20 games on Friday in St. Lucia. Australia loses its last six wickets for just 19 runs.
Obed McCoy named Player of the Game (Courtesy: CWI Media)
HIGHLIGHTS
- West Indies beat Australia with 18 runs in the first T20I in St. Lucia
- Australia, led by Aaron Finch, lose their last six wickets for just 18 runs
- Players from both teams knelt on their knees shortly before the first game of the game
A sensational breakdown of the Australian batting team gave the West Indies a remarkable 18-round victory over the hosts in the first of five Twenty20 games in St. Lucia on Friday.
West Indies scored 145 for 6 after being sent to the bat. The hosts rode on Andre Russell’s 28-ball 51, which included three limits and five massive sixes, after staggering at 66 for 4 out of 12 overs.
Opener Lendl Simmons (27) and Shimron Hetmyer (20) were the only other notable contributions when the Australian attack, in which 38-year-old sailor Dan Christian played in his first game for the national team since 2017, smothered the hosts.
After removing opener Evin Lewis for a duck, Hazlewood had dangerous Chris Gayle caught by Ashton Agar for four before getting rid of Russell late in the innings, ending in his four overs with numbers 3/12.
Marsh won 2/26 in his four overs when visitors restricted the West Indies, skippered Kieron Pollard due to a hamstring problem, to a below average wicket at Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium.
Australia sailed to the expected win at 70 for 3, losing six wickets for 19 runs and all out for 127 in 16 overs. Obed McCoy won 4/26 and Hayden Walsh added 3/23 for the West Indies.
Mitch Marsh scored the highest score with 51 runs taking two wickets and teammate Josh Hazlewood had 3/12. Opener Matthew Wade got Australia off to a strong start with 33 runs from 14 balls, but it was wasted after the late collapse.
The players of both teams kneeled into play shortly before the first delivery of the fast bowler Mitchell Starc.
West Indies skipper Kieron Pollard was a late injured scratch and handed the captain over to Nicholas Pooran for the first time.
McCoy was voted Man of the Game.
The second game is scheduled for Saturday at the same stadium in Gros Islet.
Short notes
West Indies: 145 for 6 in 20 overs (Andre Russell 51, Lendl Simmons 27, Shimron Hetmyer 20; Josh Hazelwood 3/12, Mitchell Marsh 2/26)
Australia: 127 all in 16 overs Mitchell Marsh 51, Matthew Wade 33; Obed McCoy April 26th, Hayden Walsh March 23rd)
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