1st T20I, Carrara, October 05, 2022, 01:40 PM
West Indies
145/9(20.0ov)
Australia
146/7(19.5ov)
Australia beat West Indies by 3 wickets
Right then. That's it from the coverage of this game. Australia have taken a lead in this series. They would be looking to seal the series when they meet again on 7th October 2022 in Brisbane. The first ball will be at 1.40 pm IST (8.10 am GMT). But our build-up begins much earlier. Until then, take care and goodbye.
The victorious skipper, Aaron Finch wins the Man of the Match award for his incredible knock of 58 runs. He says it got really close, both the teams were sloppy. Adds they knew it was going to be tough to chase this down on this wicket and Wade played brilliantly towards the end. Mentions he feels good, they needed to handle the pressure and the good thing is getting over the line. Informs he enjoyed batting in the middle order and Green has been playing well but they'll be trying a few things in the next game.
Nicholas Pooran, the captain of West Indies says it is frustrating, they did well to make a match out of it. Adds the bowlers did really well but they could not capitalize during the important stages. States they just need to keep the confidence up and there were quite a few positives and it was good to see the fight.
Stay tuned for the presentation...
Earlier in the day after being inserted, Windies got off to a very good start. They were pegged back though and were struggling at one point. Smith played a brilliant cameo to take his side over 140. That turned out to be a very competitive total as it came down to the last over but Wade once again played the role of the finisher and took his side over the line.
West Indies can be happy with the way they fought. The likes of Sheldon Cottrell, Alzarri Joseph and the leg spinner, Yannic Cariah were really good. Sheldon Cottrell was brilliant with the new ball but lost his control later on. Holder too wasn't at his best. However, what was more disappointing from the Windies was the fielding. They dropped crucial catches at crucial times in the game and that cost them the match.
Australia actually crawled their way to this target. They were struggling throughout. At one stage, they were under huge pressure when they had half the side back in the hut and still needed above 80. Finch and Wade then played brilliantly, the two added over 50 and took Australia back on top. Finch fell, Cummins did not last for long and the pressure was back on the Aussies. It came down to 11 from the last over but Wade and Starc managed to score the runs needed. Yes, they were helped by some poor fielding by the Windies but as they say, a win is a win.
Things could have been so different had Raymon Reifer taken that catch on the second ball of the last over. However, that chance was not taken and it is yet again, Wade, who's the hero for Australia. Another excellent knock from him under pressure and he has ensured Australia take a 1-0 lead in this series.
In over# 20
2
2
1
2
4
Sheldon Cottrell 49/2(3.5)
19.5
2
Mitchell Starc crashes into Johnson Charles during his second run but gets inside the crease in the end. It is a short ball, outside off. Mitchell Starc cuts it towards sweeper cover. The batters call for two and complete it in the end. AUSTRALIA WIN THE GAME BY 3 WICKETS.
19.4
2
OH NO! Sheldon Cottrell could've gotten two wickets if the catches were taken. It is short, outside off, slower one. Mitchell Starc lifts it high in the air towards backward point. Kyle Mayers moves to his right but seems a bit casual in his approach. Sheldon Cottrell thought he got a wicket here, but Kyle Mayers dives in front of him but is unable to gather the ball safely. The batters take two more.
19.3
1
Good length, wide outside off. Wade cuts it to deep point for a single. Mitchell Starc on strike now.
19.2
2
DROPPED! NO WAY! Raymon Reifer the culprit this time. He could've sealed the game for West Indies. It is a short ball, outside off. Matthew Wade swings hard at it. The ball goes towards deep point. Raymon Reifer sprints forward but he could not plant his feet. He slips and the ball spills out as well. The batters take a couple.
19.1
4
FOUR! A boundary to start the final over. Pressure on Cottrell straightaway. It is slightly short, down leg. Matthew Wade swivels and pulls it past the man at short fine. The ball races away to the fence.
In over# 19
2
0
0W
1
1
0
Odean Smith 19/1(3)
18.6
2
It is a short ball, outside off. Mitchell Starc stands tall and smacks it past the bowler. It goes towards long on. The batters run hard and get a couple. 11 runs needed now with Matthew Wade on strike for the final over.
18.5
.
Swing and a miss! A length ball, angling across the left-hander. Mitchell Starc slashes but connects with thin air. 13 runs needed off 7 now.
18.4
W
OUT! CLEANS HIM UP! A huge wicket from Smith. This game is getting very tight. A length ball, on off. Pat Cummins looks to heave it across the line but misses is completely. The ball goes through and hits the top of off. Pat Cummins short stay at the crease comes to an end. Is there a twist in the tale? Mitchell Starc is the new man in for Australia.
18.3
1
A short ball, outside off. Matthew Wade stays back and cuts it hard towards deep point. The batters take a single.