By Tim Douglas 
Australia Edge Past West Indies in Nail-Biting T20I Series Opener
Australia drew first blood in the T20I series with a hard-fought three-wicket win over West Indies at Sabina Park, thanks to a stunning debut from Mitchell Owen and an impactful knock by Cameron Green. The duo’s explosive partnership rescued the visitors from a shaky start, chasing down 190 with just seven balls to spare.
On debut, Owen announced himself in style, clubbing a fearless 50 off 27 balls that included six massive sixes. He became only the third Australian to score a half-century on T20I debut, joining an elite list alongside David Warner and Ricky Ponting. Earlier, he had picked up a crucial wicket, underlining his all-round value.
Green matched Owen’s intensity, hammering 51 off 26 balls, launching five sixes of his own and stitching an 80-run stand with the debutant. Their counterattack turned the tide after Australia had slipped to 78 for 4.
West Indies Set the Tone Early, But Stumble Late
Put into bat, West Indies looked poised for a massive total as Roston Chase and Shai Hope stitched together a solid foundation. Chase scored a brisk 60 off 32, while Hope added a steady 55. Shimron Hetmyer’s cameo (38 off 19) pushed the Windies to 189 for 8, a total that once seemed destined to go well past 200.
But a superb death-over display from Ben Dwarshuis (4 for 36) and Nathan Ellis turned the game. The hosts lost 6 wickets for just 30 runs in the final five overs, failing to close out their innings with momentum.
Australia Survive Late Drama
Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, Australia’s depth proved decisive. Owen and Green’s fireworks steadied the chase before both fell trying to accelerate. With 15 needed off 21, Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, and Sean Abbott kept calm, taking Australia across the line after some late West Indian fielding errors, including a dropped catch and a near run-out.
Fielding Woes Haunt Windies
Substitute fielder Jewel Andrew’s drop of Abbott with the game in the balance epitomized West Indies’ missed opportunities. Their inability to capitalise on early breakthroughs and lapses in the field proved costly in a game of fine margins.
A Confidence-Boosting Win for Australia
The match showcased Australia’s growing depth in T20 cricket, especially in high-pressure situations. With the series lead secured, the visitors will look to build momentum while West Indies must regroup quickly to stay in contention.
Anas Ahmed 
Victoria Hamilton