- West Indies’ Tour of Australia 2024 (3rd T20)
In a spectacle that could only be described as a Caribbean cyclone sweeping across the Optus Stadium, the West Indies thrashed the Australians by 34 runs. Andre Russel and Sherfane Rutherford outclassed the hosts with the bat, putting up a monster target of 220 after an unfortunate fall of wickets. The Australians, overwhelmed by the sudden twist in the tale, failed to keep up with the required run rate, although starting strong.
The stage was set, the stakes were high, and the Windies wasted no time in making their intentions clear. Despite a shaky start, where the top order collapsed to 17 for 3, the Windies put on a masterclass in power hitting. Andre Russel put up 71 runs in just 29 balls, while Sherfane Rutherford assisted with 67 as well. Together the pair took the West Indies to an unthinkable 220 runs in the first 20 overs.
Australia’s batsmen came out swingin, putting up a fight initially but later crumbling under the pressure. Roston Chase, Romario Shepherd and Akeal Hossein, all contributed with economical spells and wickets. This kept the Australains under the needed rate after David Warner’s knock of 81. Ultimately, Australia’s fate was sealed and they wriggled through the remaining overs, ending with 34 runs short at 183 for 5.
West Indies may have won the game, but Australia walked away with the series. The hosts won the first two games in a three match series, failing to end with a typical Australian white wash. Australia now look forward to taking on New Zealand while the Carribbeans are on a break till the T20 World Cup in June.
Chief Scores :
West Indies – 220 for 6 in 20 overs (Andre Russell 71, Sherfane Rutherford 67*, Roston Chase 37, Xavier Bartlett 2 for 37, Jason Behrendorff 1 for 31, Aaron Hardie 1 for 36)
Australia – 183 for 5 in 20 overs (David Warner 81, Tim David 41*, Mitchell Marsh 17, Roston Chase 2 for 19, Romario Shepherd 2 for 31, Akeal Hosein 1 for 33)
