Australia vs West Indies 1st T20I 2025: Australia kicked off their five-match T20I series against West Indies with a nail-biting 3-wicket victory in the opening encounter at Sabina Park, Jamaica. Chasing a stiff 190-run target, the visitors rode on fiery knocks from Cameron Green and Mitchell Owen to seal the win with 7 balls to spare, going 1-0 up in the series.
Toss and Team Strategy
Australian skipper Mitchell Marsh won the toss and elected to bowl first, a decision that promised an action-packed contest on a high-scoring Sabina Park pitch.
West Indies Post Competitive 189/8
The West Indies, led by Shai Hope and Roston Chase, put up a formidable total of 189/8 in their allotted 20 overs.
- Shai Hope continued his fine form with a classy 55 off 39 balls, anchoring the innings with smart shot placement and rotation of strike.
- Roston Chase was the star with the bat, smashing a blistering 60 off just 32 balls, including five boundaries and three sixes.
- Shimron Hetmyer added late fireworks with a quickfire 38 from 19 deliveries.
Australia’s bowling was a mixed bag, with Ben Dwarshuis emerging as the pick of the bowlers, finishing with impressive figures of 4/36 in his full quota of four overs. Youngster Mitchell Owen bowled just one over but made it count by taking a key wicket for 14 runs.
Australia’s Chase: Green and Owen Take Charge
In reply, Australia got off to a decent start, despite early hiccups. The real momentum came through Cameron Green, who attacked the bowlers from the outset.
- Green hammered a 26-ball 51, laced with 6 fours and 2 sixes, ensuring the run rate was under control during the middle overs.
- The turning point came with Mitchell Owen, who not only contributed with the ball earlier but also played a match-winning knock of 50 off 27 balls. His fearless strokeplay under pressure turned the tide in Australia’s favor.
Australia faced some tense moments as the West Indies bowlers kept chipping away at the wickets. Gudakesh Motie was economical and effective with 2/29, while Jason Holder and Alzarri Joseph also claimed two wickets apiece.
However, Owen held his nerve and steered the team home in the 19th over, finishing the chase at 190/7 in 18.5 overs.
Player of the Match – Mitchell Owen
With a brilliant all-round performance—1/14 in 1 over and a blistering 50 off 27—Mitchell Owen deservedly bagged the Player of the Match award. His composed and fearless innings under pressure has put him on the radar as a key player to watch for the rest of the series.
Australia now lead the series 1-0, and both teams will head into the 2nd T20I with plenty to build on. West Indies will look to tighten their death bowling, while Australia will aim to continue their momentum.
The second T20I of the series is scheduled to take place at the same venue, Sabina Park, with both sides keen to make a mark ahead of the T20 World Cup buildup.
Final Score Summary:
West Indies: 189/8 (Roston Chase 60, Shai Hope 55; Dwarshuis 4/36)
Australia: 190/7 in 18.5 overs (Cameron Green 51, Mitchell Owen 50; Motie 2/29)
Result: Australia won by 3 wickets
Series: Australia lead 1-0 in 5-match series
