Debutant Mitchell Owen stars as Australia defeat West Indies in T20I opener

KINGSTON: Debutant Mitchell Owen announced his arrival in style as Australia edged past West Indies by three wickets in the first T20I of the ongoing five-match series at Sabina Park on Sunday.

Chasing a daunting target of 190, the visitors crossed the finish line with seven balls to spare, thanks to an all-round masterclass from the 23-year-old Owen, who backed up his bowling effort with a game-changing half-century.

Earlier, Australian captain Mitchell Marsh won the toss and opted to field first, a decision that saw the hosts put up a competitive 189/8.

Roston Chase led the West Indies charge with a stroke-filled 60 off 32 balls, peppering the boundary with nine fours and two sixes.

Skipper Shai Hope added a fluent 55 off 39, while Shimron Hetmyer chipped in with a quick 38 off just 19.

However, the rest of the West Indies batting order failed to capitalise, with six batters dismissed in single digits.

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Ben Dwarshuis was the pick of the bowlers for Australia, finishing with impressive figures of 4/36. Owen, Sean Abbott, Nathan Ellis, and Cooper Connolly claimed a wicket each.

In response, Australia’s chase began shakily, but Cameron Green steadied the innings with a powerful 51 off 26 deliveries, clearing the ropes five times and hitting two fours.

His counterattack gave Australia the momentum, but it was Mitchell Owen who truly turned the tide.

Walking in during a tense phase, the youngster smashed 50 off just 27 balls, including six massive sixes, before falling with 15 runs still needed.

His composed assault ensured Australia remained in control, and the remaining batters wrapped up the chase in 18.5 overs.

For the West Indies, Jason Holder, Alzarri Joseph, and Gudakesh Motie picked up two wickets each, while Akeal Hosein chipped in with one.

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