Posted by Australia Edges West Indies in High-Scoring Thriller
Hobart, Australia:
A whirlwind fifty from David Warner in his landmark 100th T20I and a match-winning spell by leg-spinner Adam Zampa helped Australia clinch a narrow 11-run victory over a full-strength West Indies in the first T20I of the three-match series at Bellerive Oval on Friday.
Warner Stars in Milestone Match:
Batting first, Australia piled up a mammoth 213 for 7, their joint-highest T20I score at the venue. The veteran opener Warner set the tone with a blistering 70 off 36 deliveries, reaching his fifty in just 22 balls. He joined Ross Taylor and Virat Kohli as the only players to have achieved 100 internationals across all three formats.
Tim David Provides Late Boost:
While Warner fell in the 13th over, Tim David kept the scoreboard ticking with a rapid-fire 37 off 17 balls. His late cameo alongside Mitchell Marsh (24) and Josh Inglis (39) propelled Australia to a formidable total.
West Indies Chase Falters Despite Early Fireworks:
In reply, West Indies openers Brandon King (53) and Johnson Charles (42) provided a flying start, putting on a quickfire 89-run partnership for the first wicket. However, their aggressive intent backfired as they fell in quick succession within a span of three balls.
Zampa Spins Web Around West Indies:
Leg-spinner Adam Zampa proved to be the game-changer for Australia. He foxed the West Indies batsmen with his wily variations, claiming crucial wickets of Andre Russell, Nicholas Pooran, and Rovman Powell to restrict the chase. Despite a late flourish from Jason Holder (34*), West Indies fell short by 11 runs.
Key Takeaways:
- David Warner‘s fifty in his 100th T20I marked a special occasion for the Australian opener.
- Tim David‘s late cameo helped Australia post a competitive total.
- Adam Zampa‘s three-wicket haul proved decisive in restricting the West Indies chase.
- The high-scoring encounter sets the stage for an exciting three-match series.