West Indies finally flexed their muscles in their favourite format by brushing Australia aside by 37 runs. The two-time world champions posted a huge score of 220 runs with the help of Sherfane Rutherford and Andre Russell. David Warner shone once again for the hosts, but he was not backed up by any of his partners as Australia stopped well short of the target. However, the Australians have secured the series by winning the first two games of the series.
Team Lineups
After playing with massively depleted sides against Australia in Tests and ODIs, West Indies were back with their fully strong squads for the T20 series. They made two changes to their team that won the T20 series against England on home soil. Gudakesh Motie is omitted from the team. 29 year old Guyanese all-rounder Romario Shepherd came in to replace him. Moreover, Oshane Thomas is currently struggling with poor form. He was replaced by pace bowler Alzarri Joseph. Rovman Powell was back again to lead the team. T20 specialist Andre Russell, Brandon King and Johnson Charles came to have important before the T20 World Cup. Nicolas Pooran was selected to keep the wickets.
Australia have experimented with their team balance during their last T20 series against India. There were only three survivors from the 5th T20 match of that series. Tim David, Matthew Wade and Jason Behrendorff kept their spots in the team. Mitchell Marsh was fit and ready to lead the team. After retiring from the longer versions of the game, David Warner would open the batting for the Australians. Josh Inglis was his partner at the top of the order with regular opener Travis Head being rested. Marcus Stoinis got a deserved call-up after his good performances in the SAT20 tournament. Regular bowlers like Starc and Cummins were rested after a hectic schedule. Spencer Johnson came in for Sean Abbott for the second T20I.
Australia
- David Warner 2. Josh Inglis 3. Mitch Marsh (Cap.) 4. Glenn Maxwell 5. Marcus Stoinis 6. Tim David 7. Matthew Wade 8. Sean Abbott 9. Adam Zampa 10. Jason Behrendorff 11. Josh Hazlewood
West Indies
- Brandon King 2. Johnson Charles 3. Nicholas Pooran (WK) 4. Rovman Powell (Cap.) 5. Shai Hope 6. Andre Russell 7. Sherfane Rutherford 8. Romario Shepherd 9. Jason Holder 10. Akeal Hosein 11. Alzarri Joseph
Fixture
This is the first series where Australia is playing T20 cricket after their T20 series loss against India in November-December. They were humbled by a 4-1 margin in that series. The West Indies on the other hand, were back in this format after securing an exciting 3-2 win against England back in December. West Indies is the joint most successful side in T20 World Cups with two championship wins. Australia has won the 2021 edition. The sides have met on 20 previous occasions. Out of these matches, Australia has won on ten occasions. West Indies emerged victorious in 10 matches. This stat is enough to prove that West Indies are a dominant force in the T20 arena.
In the games played on Australian soil, the hosts are the clear favourites. They have won five matches out of six. The two sides last met for a T20 match in a bilateral series in Brisbane back on October 7, 2022. Australia won the series 2-0.
| Venue | The third and final game of the three match T20 series took place at the Optus Stadium in Perth, West Australia. |
| Date | The game started at 2:00 p.m. IST on Tuesday, February 13. |
The pitch at the Perth Stadium assists pace bowling. There will be extra zip off the surface and the extra bounce keeps the pacers interested. There will be a nice carry throughout the game and the batters will have to adapt to the conditions quickly before they can start playing freely. The pace of the pitch creates problems for the batters during the early exchanges of the game. The average score for T20 matches is 163. The West Indies captain Rovman Powell won the toss and elected to bat first on batting friendly surfaces.
Captaincy & Tactics
In a thrilling encounter at Optus Stadium, the West Indies secured a consolation victory against Australia in the third and final T20I match of the series. Despite their top-order woes, a record-breaking sixth-wicket partnership between Andre Russell and Sherfane Rutherford, coupled with a stellar bowling performance led by Roston Chase, steered the Caribbean side to triumph.
From the outset, it was evident that West Indies had to recalibrate their approach after their attack faced immense pressure in the previous encounters. Opting to bat first after winning the toss, the decision initially appeared precarious as they slumped to 17 for 3 within the first three overs. However, Captain Rovman Powell and Roston Chase initiated a recovery, only to depart prematurely, leaving the team in a precarious position once again.
Enter Andre Russell and Sherfane Rutherford. The duo showcased sheer dominance with a sensational 139-run partnership for the sixth wicket, defying Australia’s bowling attack and unleashing an onslaught of boundaries and sixes. Russell’s fearless batting, despite sustaining a painful blow to his glove, epitomized the West Indies’ resolve, as he unleashed a flurry of powerful strokes to propel the team past the 200-run mark.
Rutherford, though initially slow, accelerated his innings with finesse, reaching his half-century off just 33 balls. However, it was Russell’s blistering assault that stole the show, as he hammered leg-spinner Adam Zampa for multiple sixes in an over, ultimately propelling West Indies to a formidable total of 220 for 6.
Australia, in response, faced early setbacks as Xavier Bartlett, making his T20I debut, made a memorable impact by dismissing key batsmen Johnson Charles and Kyle Mayers. Despite David Warner’s valiant efforts, including a blazing 81 off 49 balls, the lack of substantial support from his teammates hindered Australia’s chase.
Chase’s exceptional spell in the middle overs turned the tide in favor of West Indies, as he stifled Warner’s momentum and accounted for crucial wickets, finishing with figures of 2 for 19 from his allotted four overs. Romario Shepherd provided crucial support, further tightening the noose around the Australian batting lineup.
As the match progressed, Australia’s hopes dwindled, and despite Warner’s heroics, they succumbed to the brilliance of Chase and the West Indies’ determined bowling unit. Ultimately, the visitors emerged victorious, salvaging pride with a resounding win at Optus Stadium.
The victory, although a consolation, underscored the West Indies’ resilience and ability to bounce back under pressure. Meanwhile, Australia, despite clinching the series 2-1, were left to ponder their shortcomings as they concluded their home summer on a sour note. The match served as a fitting finale to a riveting T20I series, highlighting the unpredictability and excitement inherent in the shortest format of the game.
Batting Analysis
In a thrilling showdown between the West Indies and Australia, Andre Russell’s explosive 29-ball 71, coupled with Sherfane Rutherford’s blistering 67 off 40 deliveries, fueled a remarkable sixth-wicket partnership. This partnership propelled the West Indies to a resounding 37-run victory over Australia in the final T20 match of the series. Opting to bat after winning the toss, the West Indies amassed a formidable total of 220-6.
David Warner showcased his batting prowess for Australia with a spirited 81 off 49 balls, initially keeping his team in contention for a series sweep. However, the West Indies’ offspinner Roston Chase proved instrumental, claiming crucial wickets including that of Warner and Josh Inglis, ending with figures of 2-19. Despite Warner’s valiant effort, Australia fell short, managing only 183-5 in their chase.
Reflecting on the match, West Indies captain Rowman Powell expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance, despite losing the series 2-1. He commended his players for their resilience and acknowledged the execution of their plans throughout the series.
Shamar Joseph emerged as a hero for the West Indies in the second test match against Australia, capturing 7 wickets and contributing significantly to his team’s victory. His outstanding performance earned him a contract upgrade, marking a significant milestone in his career.
In his debut T20 match, Australia’s Xavier Bartlett made an impact by dismissing West Indies’ openers Johnson Charles and Kyle Mayers early in the innings. Despite the absence of Josh Hazlewood, Bartlett’s impressive display demonstrated his potential in white-ball cricket.
Russell and Rutherford’s sensational partnership, amassing 139 runs off just 67 balls, stands as the best-ever sixth-wicket stand in a T20 international. Russell’s onslaught, marked by seven sixes and four boundaries, propelled the West Indies to a commanding position. Despite Russell’s eventual dismissal, the damage was done, setting a formidable target for Australia.
Australia’s pursuit faltered against the spin duo of Akeal Hosein and Chase, with Mitchell Marsh and Glenn Maxwell falling victim to their bowling prowess. Tim David’s quickfire 41 off 19 balls provided some resistance, but it was not enough to prevent Australia from succumbing to defeat.
In the aftermath of the match, Australian captain Mitchell Marsh credited the West Indies for their exceptional performance and acknowledged his team’s missed opportunities. Despite their efforts, Australia found themselves on the losing end, conceding victory to the West Indies in a thrilling encounter.
Bowling Analysis
In a stunning display of resilience and firepower, Andre Russell and Sherfane Rutherford orchestrated a historic sixth-wicket partnership, propelling the West Indies to a thrilling 37-run victory over Australia in their third and final encounter on Tuesday. Their explosive batting showcased the epitome of T20 cricket as they blazed quickfire half-centuries, guiding the visitors to a commanding total of 220-6 in Perth. In response, Australia could only muster 183-5, with David Warner leading the charge with a valiant 81 in what could be his final appearance for Australia on home soil.
The series had seen Australia secure victory in the first match in Hobart by 11 runs and seal the series with a 34-run triumph in Adelaide.
Despite a shaky start after winning the toss and electing to bat, the West Indies found themselves reeling at three wickets down within the first three overs. However, Russell’s explosive 71 off just 29 balls and Rutherford’s unbeaten 67 off 40 deliveries spearheaded a remarkable fightback. Their partnership of 139 runs for the sixth wicket set a new standard in T20 internationals. Spinner Adam Zampa endured a tough outing, conceding 65 runs off his four overs – his most expensive figures in the format.
Reflecting on the match, Russell expressed his satisfaction with his contribution, highlighting the team’s collective spirit and resilience. He emphasized the team’s unity and determination to stage a comeback despite the early setbacks.
Australia started strongly with Warner and captain Mitchell Marsh building a solid foundation, reaching 61 without loss after the powerplay. Warner achieved a significant milestone by reaching his 3,000th run and notching up his 26th half-century off just 25 balls. However, Marsh’s departure for 17 marked the beginning of Australia’s downfall.
The turning point came when Australia lost three quick wickets for just three runs, with Roston Chase claiming two of them, including the prized scalp of Warner. Despite Glenn Maxwell’s unbeaten century in Adelaide, Australia’s chase fell short, even with Tim David’s rapid 41.
With Australian pace spearhead Josh Hazlewood rested, debutant Xavier Bartlett made an impact by dismissing Johnson Charles and Kyle Mayers early in the innings. Nicholas Pooran’s dismissal by Jason Behrendorff further compounded the West Indies’ early struggles.
However, Chase’s resilience and the heroics of Rutherford and Russell turned the tide in favor of the West Indies, securing a memorable victory against a formidable Australian side.
Fielding Analysis
Powered by scintillating performances from Andre Russell, who blazed his way to 71 runs off just 39 deliveries, and Sherfane Rutherford, who contributed a dynamic 67 off 40 balls, the West Indies set a formidable total of 220 for the loss of 6 wickets. The duo orchestrated a sensational 139-run partnership for the sixth wicket, showcasing their remarkable batting prowess.
Opting to bat first, the West Indies encountered an early setback, finding themselves struggling at 17 for 3 following the dismissals of Johnson Charles, Kyle Mayers, and Nicholas Pooran. However, Roston Chase, with a brisk 37 off 20 balls, and skipper Rovman Powell, who chipped in with a vital 21 off 14 deliveries, steadied the innings with a crucial 55-run partnership.
Debutant Xavier Bartlett emerged as the standout performer for Australia with figures of 2/37, demonstrating his potential in the bowling department. Other Australian bowlers such as Jason Behrendoff, Spencer Johnson, Aaron Hardie, and Adam Zampa managed to claim a wicket each, but struggled to contain the explosive West Indian batting lineup.
In the pursuit of the challenging target, the Australian openers provided a promising start, with David Warner notching up a blistering 25-ball fifty. However, despite Warner’s heroics, wickets fell at regular intervals at the other end, leaving the middle-order with a daunting task to mount a successful chase. Off-spinner Roston Chase emerged as the pick of the bowlers for the West Indies, clinching two crucial wickets for a mere 19 runs, thereby playing a pivotal role in preventing a series whitewash for his team.
Key Performances
In a display of remarkable prowess, the West Indies exhibited a significantly improved performance with the ball, asserting their dominance when it mattered most. Bolstered by an outstanding batting display earlier in the day, the Windies set a formidable target of 220 runs, courtesy of impactful contributions from Sherfane Rutherford, Andre Russell, and Roston Chase, who showcased exceptional skills across both batting and bowling departments.
Romario Shepherd, Alzarri Joseph, and Roston Chase emerged as the architects of the Windies’ bowling attack, collectively securing four crucial wickets while maintaining economical bowling figures. Their disciplined approach restricted the Australian batsmen and prevented them from capitalizing on the early momentum.
Despite a promising start by Australia, spearheaded by the explosive innings of David Warner, who amassed a commendable 81 runs off 49 deliveries, the introduction of spinners by the West Indies altered the course of the game. The spin duo’s astute bowling tactics made scoring increasingly challenging for the Australian middle order, comprising players like Hardie, Maxwell, and Inglis, who struggled to find their rhythm.
As the match progressed, the mounting pressure and escalating required run rate posed insurmountable challenges for the Australian batsmen. Although Tim David showcased resilience in the latter stages of the innings, his efforts ultimately fell short in the face of the Windies’ determined bowling attack.
In a culmination of a fiercely contested series, the West Indies emerged triumphant, clinching victory by a commanding margin of 37 runs. Their comprehensive all-round performance showcased their resilience and determination, culminating in a well-deserved win to conclude the series on a high note.
Both teams displayed glimpses of exceptional cricket throughout the series, captivating audiences with their skillful performances. However, it was the Men in Maroon who ultimately prevailed, leaving an indelible mark with their emphatic victory over the formidable Australian side.
Match Result
West Indies won the match by 37 runs to make the series 2-1. Australia have won the series by clinching victories in the first two games.
Player of the Match
Andre Russell predictably won the player of the match award for his outstanding knock of 29 from 71 deliveries. Russell have won 8 man of match awards in the T20 format with this.
Player of the Series
David Warner won the player of the series award on his last ever international match on home soil. The bombastic opener scored 193 runs in the three match series to top the run scoring charts.
Brief Scorecard
| West Indies Total: 220/6 (20 overs) | Australia Total: 183/5 (20 overs) |
| Andre Russell 71 (29) | David Warner 81 (49) |
| Sherfane Rutherford 67* (40) | Tim David 41* (19) |
| Xavier Bartlett 2/37 (4 overs) | Roston Chase 2/19 (4 overs) |
| Jason Behrendorff 1/31 (4 overs) | Romario Shepherd 2/31 (4 overs) |
Match Highlights
Match Wrap-Up
The Australians have been humbled at home in the T20 format at last. The mighty Aussies fell short on a day when the Windies cricketers was on song and played the best cricket of the series. However, the series was already secured by the Australians who won the first two matches of the series. The Australians would face a tough assignment on the New Zealand soil in the next series. The West Indies will face Papua New Guinea in the 2024 World T20 in their next game.
