Australia registered an emphatic eight-wicket victory against West Indies in the second T20I at Sabina Park, securing the series 2-0 and eclipsing Andre Russell’s international farewell.
Zampa, Maxwell Wreck Havoc After Strong West Indies Start
West Indies appeared to be in charge early, sprinting to 63 without loss within the first eight overs, primarily due to Brandon King’s aggressive 51 from 36 deliveries. But Australia’s inclusion of two specialist spinners paid off. Adam Zampa (3 for 29) and Glenn Maxwell (2 for 15) together set off a top-order collapse.
The turning point came immediately after the powerplay, with King falling to Zampa and Shai Hope dismissed by Maxwell in consecutive deliveries. From 63/0, West Indies crumbled to 99/5, with sharp fielding and intelligent spin bowling shifting the game in Australia’s favour.
Kuhnemann’s T20I Debut Shows Promise
Left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann played his T20I debut and bowled three powerplay overs. The first two overs conceded only ten runs, but an expensive third over saw King get him for two sixes and two fours.
Andre Russell Bids Farewell with a Final Blitz
In a sentimental goodbye, Andre Russell gave his Jamaican fans one final show. Following a guard of honor before the match, Russell scythed 36 off a mere 15 deliveries, with three sixes in his initial five deliveries of Ben Dwarshuis.
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He then smashed a six and a four off Zampa before being finally bowled by Nathan Ellis, with Josh Inglis taking an aerial catch. A standing ovation greeted Russell’s exit as all Australian players applauded him on a legendary international career.
West Indies Post 172/8 Due to Fielding Mistakes by Australia
Impromptu late hitting by Gudakesh Motie (18* off 9) took West Indies to a decent 172/8, thanks to wasted chances in the field by Australia, such as dropped catches by Cooper Connolly and Dwarshuis, and a missed run-out by Mitchell Owen.
Inglis and Green’s Record Stand Powers Australia to Victory
Pursuing 173, Australia were 42/2 in the powerplay, but a record-breaking third-wicket stand turned the game on its head. Josh Inglis was awarded Player of the Match for his destructive 78* off 33 balls (7 fours, 5 sixes).
Cameron Green topped off his last match heroics with another half-century, making 56 off 33 balls. They pursued the target together in 15.2 overs with 28 balls remaining. Though six catches were dropped by West Indies, of which three came in the same over, Inglis and Green took full advantage to attain victory.
AUS vs WI 2nd T20 Score Summary
West Indies: 172/8 (20 overs)
Brandon King 51 (36), Andre Russell 36 (15)
Adam Zampa 3/29, Glenn Maxwell 2/15
Australia: 173/2 (15.2 overs)
Josh Inglis 78* (33), Cameron Green 56 (33)
Alzarri Joseph 1/31
Australia Eyeing T20 World Cup Depth
Australia’s dominant victory in the AUS vs WI 2nd T20 not only clinched the series but also highlighted their increasing depth in spin and middle-order strength. With the T20 World Cup coming near, such a show reinforces their credentials as genuine contenders. Andre Russell’s last international outing was one of nostalgia and strength, but Australia’s future stars stole the show with a clinical all-round outing.
