Mitchell Owen’s dream debut, Green’s havoc power Australia to the series opener win against west-Indies
Sabina Park:
Mitchell Owen shine to T20i debut with a 27 ball fifty and a crucial wcket, as Australia edged West India by 3 wickets in a thrilling series opener. Chasing 190, Owen and Cameron Green (51 off 26) stitched a match-turning 80-run stand to rescue Australia from 78/4. Despite late wickets, the visitors crossed the line with seven balls to spare.
Earlier, West Indies poted, 189/3 thanks to fifties from Roston Chase (60 off 32) and Shai Hope (55 off 39), But a late collapse, triggered by Ben Dwarshuis (4/36) and Nathan Ellis (2/28), saw them lose 6 for 30 in the last five overs.
Owen smashed six sixes in a fearless manner, while power and smart running to control the chase. Both showed great temperament in finishing roles despite less experienced. Owen became only the third Australian to hit a half-century on T20I debut, joining the ranks of Ricky Ponting and David Warner.
Sloppy fielding hurt West Indies in the end, with a crucial dropped catch and missed run-out chance sealing their fate. With Australia taking a 1–0 lead, all eyes now turn to the remaining matches in what promises to be a high-voltage series.
With the Visitors, 1-0 up, the series promises more high-octane clash ahead.