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Mitchell Owen Shines On T20I Debut As Australia Take 1-0 Lead Against West Indies

Soumyajit Dutta

Mitchell Owen stars in Australia's 1st T20I victory over WI [Source: @BBL/X.com]Mitchell Owen stars in Australia's 1st T20I victory over WI [Source: @BBL/X.com]

West Indies had a poor start in their T20I series opener against Australia as the hosts lost the match by 3 wickets despite a worthy effort at Sabina Park. Australia clinched a dramatic victory while overcoming a mid-innings collapse thanks to a spectacular partnership between Cameron Green and debutant Mitchell Owen. 

Let's take a look at how the match panned out in Jamaica.

Windies Fly High on Chase-Hope Foundation

Put in to bat, the hosts started aggressively. Brandon King (18 off 12) fell early, but Hope and Chase constructed a match-defining 91-run partnership off just 55 balls. Chase was the dominant force, smashing 9 fours and 2 sixes in his 32-ball 60, taking the attack to the Australian spinners and seamers alike. 

Hope provided stability, reaching his half-century before Shimron Hetmyer (38 off 19) injected late carnage. However, Dwarshuis derailed the death overs, taking four wickets to restrict the Windies below 190.

Australia Stumble Early in Chase

Australia's pursuit began shakily. Jake Fraser-McGurk (2 off 7) fell cheaply, and while Mitchell Marsh (24 off 17) and Josh Inglis (18 off 8) provided brief fireworks, the innings faltered. 

Marsh holed out off Alzarri Joseph, Inglis was caught off Akeal Hosein, and Glenn Maxwell (11 off 10) fell to Gudakesh Motie, leaving Australia reeling at 78/4 in the 9th over. The required rate crept up, and West Indian hopes soared with the experienced core of the Australian batting back in the pavilion.

Green-Owen's Phenomenal Partnership Dashes Windies' Hope

From the depths of 78/4, Cameron Green and Mitchell Owen launched a breathtaking counter-attack that turned the game on its head. Green, promoted up the order, showcased his immense power, clearing the ropes 5 times in his 26-ball 51. 

At the other end, debutant Owen played without fear, matching Green's aggression and surpassing him in six-hitting, clubbing 6 maximums in his whirlwind 27-ball 50. Their partnership was pure carnage. 80 runs came off just 40 deliveries. However, Green fell just after his fifty, but the damage was done.

Dwarshuis Seals the Deal With Calm

Owen (50 off 27) followed Green back shortly after, and when Cooper Connolly (13 off 8) was caught in the 18th over with 5 still needed, nerves jangled. However, Ben Dwarshuis, fresh from his bowling heroics, displayed cool composure alongside Sean Abbott . Abbott fittingly sealed the dramatic win.