Australia Complete 5-0 Whitewash in T20I Series

Australia Clinch Final T20I in St Kitts

Australia rounded off their Caribbean tour with a convincing victory, clinching the final T20I in St Kitts. This win marked their third consecutive series win, following a 3-0 whitewash in the Tests and a 5-0 sweep in the T20Is.

Australia's Middle Order Shines

The Australian middle order trio of Cameron Green, Mitchell Owen, and Tim David delivered again in a run chase of 171. Green was named the player of the series for his remarkable consistency throughout the five games.

West Indies Struggle to Post a Competitive Total

Australia had the perfect start in the powerplay after opting to bowl first. Ben Dwarshuis removed both the openers, and Keacy Carty departed for a scratchy 8-ball 1. Sherfane Rutherford's boundary-laden start to his innings kept West Indies's powerplay from being a total disaster. However, he got castled by Glenn Maxwell for 35. Shimron Hetmyer took charge with a flurry of boundaries but Australia kept chipping away at the other end. Hetmyer took on Dwarshuis in the 17th over for 4,6,4 to bring up a 30-ball fifty but miscued one immediately after reaching the landmark as Australia struck at the right time. West Indies got bowled out for 170.

Australia's Challenging Start

That total appeared to be more than challenging despite Australia finding the boundary five times in the opening two overs. In that period, Australia also lost Glenn Maxwell for a first-ball duck and Josh Inglis for 10. The dream start continued for the West Indies as Alzarri Joseph beat Mitchell Marsh on the inside edge to castle him as the visitors found themselves reeling at 25/3.

David's Impressive Return

Tim David walked out with purpose and went on the offensive immediately. Afforded a break in the last game after his match-winning century in the third T20I, David tonked Jason Holder and Joseph for two sixes each on his return to the XI before mistiming a delivery that ended his cameo.

Australia's Dominant Powerplay

That eventful powerplay saw Australia knock off 67 runs despite losing four wickets and the carnage continued as a fearless Owen then made merry against Matthew Forde, who ended up conceding 22 in an over. That was then followed by a 21-run over as Australia continued to muscle their way towards the target with no fear or caution whatsoever despite those wickets earlier.

Akeal Hosein's Impact

Akeal Hosein, introduced into the attack only in the 10th over, gave his side some respite by getting rid of Owen but the allrounder had caused enough damage by then. Hosein continued to make an impact by dismissing the well-set Green and later Dwarshuis as well but Aaron Hardie stayed unbeaten until the end to get the job done with three overs to spare as Australia completed a perfect trip with a 8-0 result.

Brief scores:

• West Indies: 170 in 19.4 overs (Shimron Hetmyer 52, Sherfane Rutherford 35; Ben Dwarshuis 3/41)
• Australia: 173/7 in 20 overs (Mitchell Owen 37; Akeal Hosein 3/17)
• Result: Australia won by 3 wickets