West Indies collapsed, losing 6 wickets for just 30 runs, while a blistering 80-run stand off 40 balls between Green and Owen decided the match in Australia’s favor.
One is still fighting to cement his place in the team, while the other was making his international debut. When the two came together at the crease, Australia was in a shaky position. But what followed was a stunning counterattack. Debutant Mitchell Owen set the tone—he opened his international account with a six and smashed five sixes in just three overs! Then Cameron Green took charge. Together, their brilliant partnership put Australia firmly on the path to victory.
Australia edged ahead in the five-match T20 series with a 3-wicket win over West Indies in the first game.
In the early Monday morning game in Jamaica (Bangladesh time), West Indies posted 189 in 20 overs. They looked on course for 200+ after fifties from Shai Hope and Roston Chase, but collapsed in the death overs, losing 6 wickets for just 30 runs.
At one stage, Australia’s chase seemed in trouble. But Green and Owen turned it around. They stitched a 40-ball, 80-run stand for the fifth wicket. Green smashed 51 off 26 balls with five sixes before getting out.
Though primarily a top-order batter, Owen was slotted in at No. 6 for his debut. He delivered with a 50 off 27 balls, hitting six sixes without a single four!
Until now, only Ricky Ponting and David Warner had scored fifties on T20I debut for Australia. Owen now joins Warner for the most sixes on T20I debut.
With a key wicket and a whirlwind fifty, Owen capped off a dream debut by claiming the Player of the Match award. After making headlines with two Big Bash centuries, the 23-year-old has become a regular face in franchise leagues—and now, he’s announced himself on the international stage. The presence of his parents and girlfriend in the stands made the occasion even more special.
West Indies won the toss and started strongly, scoring 32 runs in the first 3 overs. Opener Brandon King scored 18 off 12 balls before departing.
Shai Hope and Roston Chase built a 91-run partnership off 55 balls for the second wicket. Chase, often struggling in this format, was the aggressor—reaching his fifty in 25 balls.
Their stand ended when Chase fell for 60 off 32 balls. Hope and Shimron Hetmyer pushed the score further, and at the end of 15 overs, West Indies stood at 152/2.
Hetmyer started the 16th over with a six but Owen struck back, removing Hope (55 off 39) for his first international wicket. Hetmyer ended that over with a six, and Andre Russell followed with another maximum.
But Australia’s bowlers stormed back in the death. Sean Abbott removed the dangerous Rovman Powell, and Ben Dwarshuis grabbed three wickets in a single over. Nathan Ellis dismissed Hetmyer (38 off 19) in the final over.
Despite missing their frontline pacers, Australia’s backup attack wrapped things up well—conceding just 37 runs in the last 5 overs.
Australia’s chase didn’t start smoothly either. Injury replacements opened the door for Jake Fraser-McGurk, who scored just 2 off 7 balls. Captain Mitchell Marsh hit three sixes but fell for 24. Josh Inglis made 18 off 8 before getting out.
When Glenn Maxwell departed for 11 off 10, Australia was 78/4 in the 9th over. That’s when Green and Owen came together.
Owen wasted no time—hitting two sixes off Russell and three more off Akeal Hosein. Green flexed his muscles too, turning the game on its head.
Green brought up his fifty off 25 balls with a six and a four off Gudakesh Motie, but perished the very next ball trying for another six.
Owen then reached his fifty off 26 balls with a six off Alzarri Joseph—only to fall the next delivery attempting yet another six.
Cooper Connolly also hit a six and a four before getting out, but by then, Australia was well on course for victory.
The second match is set for Wednesday at 6 AM Bangladesh time, a game that will also mark Andre Russell’s farewell from international cricket.
Brief Scores
- West Indies: 189/8 in 20 overs (King 18, Hope 55, Chase 60, Hetmyer 38; Dwarshuis 4/36, Abbott 1/40, Connolly 1/24, Ellis 1/31, Owen 1/11)
- Australia: 190/7 in 18.5 overs (Marsh 24, Fraser-McGurk 2, Inglis 18, Green 51, Maxwell 11, Owen 50, Connolly 11; Joseph 2/29, Motie 2/29, Holder 2/31, Hosein 1/35)
Result: Australia won by 3 wickets.
Series: Australia lead 1-0 in the 5-match series.
Player of the Match: Mitchell Owen.
