NEW DELHI: Mitchell Owen had a dream debut as Australia edged past West Indies by three wickets in the first T20I of the five-match series in Jamaica on Sunday (July 20, 2025). Chasing 190, Owen impressed with both bat and ball — taking a wicket with his medium pace before hammering a quickfire 50 off 27 balls to guide Australia home with seven balls remaining.
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Batting first at Sabina Park, West Indies capitalized on a solid top-order show. Skipper Shai Hope (55), Roston Chase (60), and Shimron Hetmyer (38) laid the foundation for a big total. However, the explosive finish they hoped for didn’t come, as Andre Russell, set to retire from international cricket after Tuesday’s second T20I, managed just eight runs. Australia’s Ben Dwarshuis (4/36) ripped through the middle and lower order, restricting West Indies to 189/8.
Australia’s reply wobbled early with both openers — captain Mitchell Marsh and Jake Fraser-McGurk — dismissed inside the powerplay. But Cameron Green (51 off 26) launched a brutal counterattack, smashing five sixes in a whirlwind knock. He stitched together an 80-run stand with debutant Owen, whose fearless hitting, including six sixes, brought Australia to the brink of victory before falling in the 17th over.
Australia sealed the chase comfortably, taking a 1-0 lead in the series and showcasing the depth of their young talent.
