Mitchell Owen Shines on T20I Debut as Australia Edge West Indies in Series Opener

A stunning all-round debut from Mitchell Owen and a blistering half-century by Cameron Green powered Australia to a thrilling three-wicket win over West Indies in the first T20I of the three-match series at Sabina Park.

Chasing 190 for victory, Australia were in deep trouble at 78 for 4 before Owen and Green combined to produce a match-winning 80-run partnership off just 40 balls. Owen, playing his maiden T20 International, smashed 50 off 27 balls, becoming only the third Australian—after Ricky Ponting and David Warner—to score a half-century on T20I debut. His knock included six sixes and earned him the Player-of-the-Match award.

Green was equally impressive, hammering 51 from just 26 balls with five sixes and two fours. The duo’s onslaught helped Australia overhaul West Indies’ 189 for 8, reaching the target with seven balls to spare.

Earlier, the West Indies had looked set for a massive total thanks to half-centuries from Roston Chase (60 off 32) and Shai Hope (55 off 39), supported by a brisk 38 from Shimron Hetmyer. However, a brilliant death bowling performance from Ben Dwarshuis and Nathan Ellis turned the tide.

Dwarshuis claimed 4 for 36, including three wickets in the 19th over, while Ellis bowled a brilliant 18th over and finished with 2 for 26. The pair combined to restrict West Indies to just 30 runs in the final five overs, taking six wickets in the process.

In Australia’s reply, the top order faltered early. Jake Fraser-McGurk, controversially picked ahead of specialist wicketkeeper Spencer Johnson, struggled again, managing only 2 off 7 balls. Mitchell Marsh showed glimpses of aggression with three sixes but was undone by Alzarri Joseph’s pace. Glenn Maxwell and Josh Inglis also fell cheaply, leaving Australia under pressure.

But Green and Owen turned the match on its head with their fearless stroke play. Owen got off the mark with a six off Andre Russell and later launched three sixes in a single over from Akeal Hosein. Green mixed aggression with smart running, reaching his half-century in 25 balls.

Though both fell before the finish line, Cooper Connolly, Dwarshuis, and Sean Abbott held their nerve to get Australia home. A dropped catch by substitute fielder Jewel Andrew and a near run-out added to the drama, but the visitors eventually crossed the line with seven balls remaining.

The win gives Australia a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, with the second T20I set to take place later this week.

Brief Scores:

West Indies 189/8 (Chase 60, Hope 55, Hetmyer 38; Dwarshuis 4-36, Ellis 2-26)
Australia 190/7 in 18.5 overs (Green 51, Owen 50; Motie 2-29, Holder 2-32, Joseph 2-39)

Australia won by 3 wickets | Australia lead the series 1-0