Josh Inglis stole the limelight with a stunning unbeaten 78 as Australia romped to a dominant eight-wicket win over the West Indies in the second T20I match at Sabina Park, Kingston. The Aussies are now leading the five-match T20I series 2-0 after this victory.
Russell’s Farewell Overshadowed By Inglis’ Heroics
It was the last international match of Andre Russell, and he was given a guard of honour before what proved to be a nostalgic home outing. Even though he provided late support with the bat, Russell’s exertions weren’t enough to alter the result.
West Indies Falter After Promising Start
Deciding to bat first, the West Indies scored 172/8 off their 20 overs. The openers Brandon King (51) and Shai Hope set up a solid platform with an 63-run partnership in eight overs. The momentum was, however, lost in the middle as the home team crumbled to 98/5 by the 14th over.
While Shimron Hetmyer (14), Roston Chase (16), and Rovman Powell (12) made contributions, none of them were able to form a lasting alliance. Late on, Andre Russell stole the innings with 36 off 15 balls, including two boundaries and four sixes three of which were hit in an over against Ben Dwarshuis.
Zampa Leads Australia’s Bowling Charge
Australia’s bowlers maintained their dominance and the top performer was Adam Zampa, taking 3/29 in his four-over stint. Nathan Ellis and Glenn Maxwell too joined in with two wickets each, tightening the screws during the middle overs.
Early Setbacks But Inglis And Green Take Charge
Australia’s pursuit did not get off to a good start as Glenn Maxwell got out early against Jason Holder. Mitchell Marsh gave some indication with a brisk 21-run innings before getting out to Alzarri Joseph.
But hopes for a West Indies return were crushed by a bully act from Josh Inglis and Cameron Green. The two compiled an unbeaten 119 for the third wicket which is also Australia’s highest third-wicket partnership in T20Is, leaving behind Aaron Finch and Glenn Maxwell’s 118 against Pakistan in 2014.
Inglis Becomes Unstoppable
Josh Inglis was in brutal touch, scoring his fifty in a mere 22 balls and going on to 78 off 33 deliveries*, studded with boundaries and power-striking. Cameron Green gave good support, going unbeaten at 56 off 32, with three fours and four sixes.
The duo pulled the game away from West Indies with ease, pursuing the total with 28 balls remaining.
West Indies’ Bowling Woes Continue
It was a difficult night for West Indian bowlers, and only Alzarri Joseph managed to pick a wicket, but at a cost of 50 runs in three overs. Andre Russell bowled a lone over, giving away 16 runs, while the rest of the bowling unit could not hold back the Australian batsmen.
