David Warner celebrated his 100th T20 international T20 match with a win against the West Indies. The left hander scored a fifty and with the help of Josh Inglis and Tim David, Australians posted a huge total of 213 runs. West Indies batted well, but eventually fell short by 11 runs in a closely contested encounter at Blundstone Arena in Hobart. The Australians took a 1-0 lead in the three match series with a 11 run win.
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.
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
West Indian captain Rovman Powell won the toss and chose to bowl first. Powell might have taken the decision after inspecting the pitch. The playing surface at the Bellerive Oval is not flat at all. There is usually some moisture on the pitch which helps the bowlers early on. The spinners also get some assistance off the pitch as well. The batsmen have to time the ball perfectly to clear the long boundaries at this ground. The average score at this ground is 145. In 18 previous T20I matches that have been played here, eight have been won by the team batting first. In nine matches, the team batting second emerged victorious.
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 18 previous occasions. Out of these matches, Australia has won on eight 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 three matches out of four. The two sides last met for a T20 match in Brisbane back on October 7, 2022. Australia won the series 2-0.
| Venue | The first game of the three match T20 series began at the Blundstone Arena in Hobart, Tasmania. |
| Date | The game started at 2:00 p.m. IST on Friday, February 9. |
Captaincy & Tactics
From the moment Australia was sent in to bat, the stage was set for a spectacle. The Australian openers, led by the indomitable David Warner, unleashed a barrage of boundaries and sixes, stamping their authority early on. Warner’s blistering innings of 70 runs off just 36 deliveries left the West Indies bowlers reeling, as he demonstrated his prowess with the bat once again. Alongside Warner, Tim David played a scintillating cameo, smashing a remarkable 37 runs off a mere 17 balls, further solidifying Australia’s dominance.
However, the West Indies, known for their explosive batting prowess, were undeterred by the daunting target set by Australia. Openers Brandon King and Johnson Charles launched a ferocious assault on the Australian bowling attack, forming a formidable partnership that sent shockwaves through the stadium. Their aggressive approach, characterized by powerful strokes and audacious shot-making, hinted at an impending showdown of epic proportions.
But cricket, as they say, is a game of uncertainties. Despite the West Indies’ promising start, the tide turned in Australia’s favor with the introduction of Adam Zampa into the attack. Zampa’s masterful display of spin bowling in the middle overs dismantled the West Indian batting lineup, leaving them struggling to keep up with the required run rate. His ability to outfox the ultra-aggressive West Indian batsmen showcased his class and skill under pressure, ultimately tilting the scales in Australia’s favor.
As the match progressed, the spotlight shifted to the individual performances and strategic maneuvers that defined the contest. For Warner, the match held special significance as he reached a significant milestone, joining an elite group of players who have featured in 100 international matches across all formats. His sublime innings underscored his status as one of the most formidable batsmen in modern cricket, leaving an indelible mark on the game.
Meanwhile, the emergence of Josh Inglis as a potential opening partner for Warner added a layer of intrigue to the proceedings. Inglis, playing in only his 16th T20I, showcased glimpses of his batting prowess despite not finding his timing early on. His audacious stroke play and ability to adapt to different conditions highlighted his potential as a valuable asset for the Australian team in the T20 format.
Batting Analysis
David Warner showcased his batting prowess by notching up a phenomenal 70 runs off just 36 deliveries. This was the first time David Warner playing a match for the national team after his retirement from Test last month. Warner’s innings was sprinkled with strokes of brilliance, including reaching his fifty milestone in a mere 22 balls. Despite a couple of close shaves where he benefited from dropped catches, Warner’s aggressive approach kept the West Indies bowlers on their toes.
Warner’s blitzkrieg was complemented by Josh Inglis, who provided valuable support as they raced to 93 runs in just 8 overs. However, the West Indies fought back as Jason Holder dismissed Inglis and Mitchell Marsh couldn’t find his rhythm, succumbing to Alzarri Joseph’s bowling.
As Warner departed after his explosive innings, the responsibility fell on Tim David and Matthew Wade to steer Australia towards a formidable total. Tim David’s quickfire 37 off 17 balls, coupled with Wade’s contribution of 21 runs, bolstered Australia to a commanding total of 213 for the loss of seven wickets at the end of their innings.
In response, West Indies began their chase aggressively with Brandon King and Johnson Charles laying a strong foundation with an 89-run opening stand. However, the tide turned in Australia’s favor when Adam Zampa’s spin wizardry dismantled the West Indian top order. Zampa’s crucial wickets of Charles, Nicholas Pooran, and Andre Russell swung the momentum firmly towards the Australians.
Despite a late resurgence from West Indies’ skipper Jason Holder, the target proved to be beyond their reach. With only two wickets in hand, the pressure mounted as Holder’s valiant efforts fell short in the final over, falling just shy of the required runs.
n a high-octane clash at Bellerive Oval, the West Indies embarked on a fiery chase against Australia’s imposing target of 213 runs after a scintillating display of batting by the hosts. Despite the daunting task ahead, Windies openers Johnson Charles and Brandon King showed early promise, maintaining a brisk scoring rate during the Powerplay overs.
The partnership flourished until Adam Zampa’s magical spell made a decisive impact, breaking the crucial 89-run opening stand by dismissing Charles, who found David Warner stationed at square leg to bring Australia back into the game.
As Zampa weaved his web, claiming three wickets for a mere 26 runs, the West Indies found themselves losing wickets at regular intervals, falling agonizingly short of the target by a mere 12 runs.
Prior to the enthralling contest, Warner had been lauded for achieving a significant milestone of representing Australia in all three formats for the 100th time. Eager to make his mark, Warner unleashed a flurry of strokes, crafting a blistering innings that saw him reach his half-century in just 22 balls. His swashbuckling knock featured an array of exquisite shots, including 12 boundaries and a mighty six.
Bowling Analysis
On the West Indian front, the match exposed both strengths and areas for improvement. While their aggressive batting approach yielded early dividends, their middle order faltered under pressure, failing to capitalize on the solid foundation laid by the openers. The reliance on slower deliveries by the West Indian bowlers, though effective at times, also proved to be a double-edged sword, particularly on harder Australian pitches.
As the dust settled on a gripping contest, Australia emerged victorious, buoyed by a stellar all-round performance that showcased their depth and resilience. While the West Indies were left to ponder their missed opportunities and areas for improvement, the match served as a valuable learning experience ahead of the T20 World Cup.
In essence, the Hobart showdown encapsulated the essence of T20 cricket – a thrilling spectacle characterized by power, precision, and unpredictability. As both teams look ahead to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, one thing remains certain – the stage is set for an exhilarating journey towards T20 World Cup glory.
Warner’s fireworks were supplemented by Josh Inglis’s inventive strokeplay, with the duo capitalizing on the West Indies’ bowlers’ initial struggles to adapt to the pace of the pitch. Despite the departure of key players such as Inglis, Mitch Marsh, Marcus Stoinis, and Glenn Maxwell, Warner’s aggressive approach propelled Australia to a formidable total of 213.
In response, the West Indies’ chase unfolded with gusto, with King and Charles setting a solid foundation before the tide turned in favor of the Australian outfit. Stellar performances from Stoinis, Maxwell, and Zampa further thwarted the visitors’ ambitions, with Zampa claiming vital wickets, including the dangerous duo of Andre Russell and Nicholas Pooran, in a critical juncture of the match.
As the chase approached its climax, Holder’s valiant effort injected a dose of drama, but the mountainous task of scoring 27 runs in the final over proved insurmountable. Ultimately, Australia emerged victorious in a thrilling encounter, showcasing the exhilarating dynamism of T20 cricket at its finest.
Fielding Analysis
The West Indies continued their bad run of form with silly fielding mistakes during this match. Nicolas Pooran spilled a chance to dismiss David Warner from behind the stumps. Sherfane Rutherford missed a tough chance to dismiss Josh Inglis early in the innings. However, they eventually got their groove back after holding onto some tough chances that were skied by the batsmen. Nicholas Pooran came back from his stupor to complete two catches. Brandon King, Alzaari Joseph and Rovman Powell also completed fine catches.
Sean Abbott is known for his fielding prowess and 31 year old all-rounder showcased his fielding skills once again. He completed four matches in the game, two of them were fantastic grabs. David Warner possesses a strunning level of fitness even at this age and the batsman took a sharp diving catch to break up the opening stand.
Key Performances
David Warner became the first ever Australian cricketer to play 100 international matches in all formats. The 36 year old made the milestone game memorable with a typical power-hitting innings of 70 runs off 36 deliveries. Josh Inglis opened the batting for Australia for the first time ever in the T20 format. The wicketkeeper batsman gave Australia a flying start with 39 runs from 25 deliveries. Tim David also played a handy cameo of 37 runs from 17 deliveries with the help of six boundaries.
All the West Indian bowlers were expensive except the captain.Andre Russell was the pick of West Indian bowlers with three wickets for 42 runs. Alzarri Joseph claimed a couple of scalps, but he gave 46 from his four overs. Jason Holder and Romario Shepherd got one wicket apiece, but their economy rate was over 10.
The West Indians had a fantastic start to their innings with both of their openers playing fantastically. Despite a bleak showing in the BPL franchise, Brandon King scored a fifty at the top of the order. The Jamaican batter scored 53 from 37 deliveries. Johnson Charles also enjoyed a decent comeback to the T20 side, scoring 42 from 25 deliveries. Jason Holder displayed his power hitting ability with 34 runs from 15 deliveries.
Adam Zampa continued his impressive form in the shortest format of the game. The New South Wales bowler claimed three wickets for 26 runs in his four over spell. Marcus Stoinis might have seen his ODI career come to an end due to the rise of Cameron Green but the Victorian all-rounder was brilliant with the ball in hand. He got 2 wickets for 20 runs in his 3 overs. Jason Behrendorff, Sean Abbott and Glenn Maxwell ended their spells with one wicket each.
Turning Point
Adam Zampa has been a crucial part of the Australian white ball setting. The 31 year old leg spinner has won crucial matches for his country on many occasions. So, the Australian skipper Mitchell Marsh was expecting Zampa to deliver in this game also. Zampa came to the attack on the 7th over of the West Indian innings. He turned the game in Australia’s favour with a breakthrough on the ninth over. The West Indian openers started the innings in flamboyant style, reaching 85 in just 8 overs. Adam Zampa pitched the ball short. Johnson Charles was tempted to hit the ball towards the midwicket region. David Warner was fielding in that region. The Australian opener dived low and took a brilliant catch to send Charles back to the pavilion. This was the most important of the match, as the Australians asserted their domination after this wicket.
Match Result
Australia won the first T20 match against the West Indies by a margin of 11 runs. They take a 1-0 lead in the three match series.
Player of the Match
David Warner’s half century on his 100th appearance in this format was enough to warrant him the man of the match award. The left-hander played a blitzkrieg innings of 70 from 36 deliveries.
Brief Scorecard
| Australia Total: 213/7 (20 overs) | West Indies Total: 202/8 (20 overs) |
| David Warner 70 (36) | Brandon King 53 (37) |
| Josh Inglis 25 (39) | Johnson Charles 42 (25) |
| Andre Russell 3/42 (4 overs) | Adam Zampa 3/26 (4 overs) |
| Alzarri Joseph 4/46 (4 overs) | Marcus Stoinis 2/20 (3 overs) |
Match Highlights
Match Wrap-Up
Australia started their T20 series with an impressive win against the two time world champions, the West Indies. The visitors started their innings fantastically with openers John Charles and Brandon King taking the early initiatives. However, a bowling resurgence led by Adam Zampa made sure the Australians would leave the field with a comfortable win. This T20 international series is important as the players are looking to have some game time before the T20 World Cup. The two sides would meet in Adelaide on February 11 for the second T20 match of the series.
