Green, Maxwell Shine as Australia Edge West Indies in Thriller to Clinch Fourth Straight Win

A composed unbeaten half-century from Cameron Green and a blistering cameo from Glenn Maxwell led Australia to a dramatic three-wicket win over the West Indies in the fourth T20I, securing a 4-0 lead in the five-match series.

Chasing a formidable target of 206, Australia held their nerve to cross the line with four balls to spare, thanks to Green's unbeaten 55 off 35 balls. Maxwell earlier lit up Warner Park with 47 off just 18 balls, smashing six sixes and taking two stunning catches in a Player-of-the-Match performance.

Despite a spirited bowling display from 22-year-old Jediah Blades, who claimed 3 for 29 in only his second T20I, West Indies’ fielding woes resurfaced at crucial moments, costing them a winnable game.

Maxwell Turns the Tide

After a cautious start with just 12 runs in the first two overs, Australia’s chase took off courtesy of Josh Inglis, who cracked 51 off 30 balls. He was especially aggressive in the powerplay, striking seven boundaries and forming a 50-run stand with Maxwell, who was on just one run at the time.

Maxwell, though, unleashed his trademark hitting outside the powerplay, hammering six sixes in a ferocious assault that put Australia firmly in command. At one stage, he looked poised to challenge Tim David's record for the fastest T20I fifty by an Australian, set just the previous day.

Blades Brings West Indies Back

However, a mistimed shot from Maxwell off Akeal Hosein sparked a mini-collapse. Blades then dismissed Mitchell Owen and Cooper Connolly in quick succession and had Aaron Hardie dropped twice in the same over—first by wicketkeeper Shai Hope and then off his own bowling—missing an opportunity to tilt the match firmly in West Indies' favour.

Green Keeps Calm

With wickets tumbling around him, Green anchored the chase with calculated aggression. He brought up his third half-century of the series off 30 balls and ensured the asking rate never climbed beyond reach. A dropped catch by Sherfane Rutherford with 11 runs needed only added to West Indies’ frustration, allowing Green to finish the job.

Australian Fielding Sets the Standard

Earlier, Australia put on a masterclass in the field. Maxwell and Green combined for a jaw-dropping relay catch to remove Romario Shepherd, with Maxwell leaping at full stretch on the boundary before flicking the ball back to Green just before landing over the rope. The catch, involving a leg still full of metal from his 2022 injury, underscored Maxwell's remarkable athleticism.

Mitchell Owen and other fielders also contributed with sharp efforts, backing up a well-rounded bowling performance. Adam Zampa took 3 for 54, and Aaron Hardie and Xavier Bartlett—stepping in for the rested Tim David and Ben Dwarshuis—snared two wickets apiece during a crucial powerplay spell.

A Unique Statistic in Vain

Despite their batting depth, West Indies became the first team in T20I history to post a 200-plus total without any individual scoring more than 34. Rutherford top-scored with 31, with contributions from Rovman Powell and Shimron Hetmyer, but none could convert their starts into a match-defining knock.

Their total of 205 for 9 appeared competitive, but defensive lapses and a lack of discipline at key moments allowed Australia to chase it down.

Final T20I Up Next

Australia now leads the series 4-0 and will look to complete a clean sweep in the fifth and final T20I. For West Indies, the search for answers continues as they aim to salvage pride and address recurring fielding issues ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup.

Match Summary
West Indies: 205/9 (Rutherford 31, Zampa 3-54, Hardie 2-24)
Australia: 206/7 in 19.2 overs (Green 55*, Inglis 51, Blades 3-29)
Result: Australia won by 3 wickets
Player of the Match: Glenn Maxwell (Australia)

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