West Indies vs Australia T20I Match Preview: 3rd T20I – July 26, 2025

Match Details

Teams: West Indies vs Australia
Match: 3rd T20I
Date: July 26, 2025
Time: 00:00 GMT (5:30 AM IST)
Venue: Warner Park, Basseterre, St Kitts
Live Streaming: Fancode
Live Broadcast: Not Available

Head-to-Head Record

The rivalry between the West Indies and Australia in T20I cricket has been a closely contested affair. The two teams have played 24 matches, with Australia holding a slight edge in the head-to-head record:

• Australia Wins: 13
• West Indies Wins: 11
• No Result: 0

Australia's experience in high-pressure T20I encounters, particularly in overseas conditions, gives them a psychological edge.

Pitch and Venue Insights

Warner Park is known for its bouncy and lively surface, making it a bowler-friendly track in the early stages of an innings. However, as the game progresses, the pitch tends to flatten out, favoring the batters. This dynamic nature often leads to exciting run chases and high-scoring games.

Historically, 17 out of 32 games played at this venue have been won by the chasing side. Therefore, the toss could be a pivotal moment in the match, as the winning captain will be tempted to bowl first and set up a target for a potential run chase.

Weather Forecast

The match is expected to take place under clear skies with minimal chances of rain. The temperature is anticipated to hover between 26°C to 31°C, ideal for T20 cricket with no major disruptions expected.

Probable XIs

West Indies Playing XI:

• Brandon King
• Shai Hope (c & wk)
• Evin Lewis
• Roston Chase
• Shimron Hetmyer
• Rovman Powell
• Sherfane Rutherford
• Jason Holder
• Gudakesh Motie
• Akeal Hosein
• Alzarri Joseph

Australia Playing XI:

• Mitchell Marsh (c)
• Glenn Maxwell
• Josh Inglis (wk)
• Cameron Green
• Tim David
• Mitchell Owen
• Cooper Connolly
• Ben Dwarshuis
• Sean Abbott
• Nathan Ellis
• Adam Zampa

Form and Fitness

Both sides are coming into the match with no major injury concerns and a strong squad in terms of form. Australia has been consistent in their T20I performances, while the West Indies have shown flashes of brilliance, especially in the middle and death overs.

Match Prediction and Score Forecast

Warner Park has been a high-scoring venue in recent years, with the highest successful chase being 165/5. Based on the current form of both teams and the nature of the pitch, a score in the range of 180-190 could be the ideal target to set for the opposition.

The match is expected to be a close contest with both sides having the firepower to win, but Australia is favored to take the win due to their balance in batting and bowling, and their experience in tight T20I games.

Players to Watch

Australia:

• Mitchell Marsh – With the bat and captaincy, he is expected to anchor the innings and provide crucial runs under pressure.
• Glenn Maxwell – The explosive middle-order finisher who can change the game in an over.
• Mitchell Owen – A rising star with a solid technique and a flair for big shots.
• Nathan Ellis & Adam Zampa – The spin duo that can dismantle the lower order and restrict scoring.

West Indies:

• Brandon King – The aggressive opener who can take the game by the scruff of the neck.
• Shai Hope – The experienced middle-order batsman who can stabilize the innings.
• Roston Chase & Shimron Hetmyer – The backbone of the West Indies batting line-up.
• Jason Holder & Alzarri Joseph – Key bowlers who can control the middle and death overs.

Best Batsman Prediction

• Australia: Mitchell Marsh or Glenn Maxwell
• West Indies: Brandon King or Shai Hope

Best Bowler Prediction

• Australia: Nathan Ellis or Adam Zampa
• West Indies: Jason Holder or Alzarri Joseph

Conclusion: Who Will Win?

Australia are the slight favorites heading into the 3rd T20I of the series. With a balanced squad, strong spin options, and a proven record at this venue, they are well-positioned to take the win. However, the West Indies have the firepower to upset the odds, and a well-executed chase could see them come out on top.

The toss will be crucial, with the winning captain likely to choose to bowl first and set a challenging total. This is set to be an exciting and closely contested encounter.

Prediction: Australia to Win
“`