David Warner laid the foundation for Australia's triumph by smashing 70 runs from 36 deliveries in his 100th T20 international, contributing to Australia's formidable total of 213/7. In response, West Indies struggled, managing only 8-202, as their middle order failed to capitalize on the promising start provided by openers Brandon King (scoring 53 runs off 37 balls) and Johnson Charles (42 off 25).
Warner set the tone for Australia
Warner, fresh from his participation in the 20-over league in the United Arab Emirates, initiated Australia's innings with a blistering 93-run opening partnership alongside Josh Inglis. Marking their first T20 international appearance together as openers, the duo propelled Australia to 0-77 after the six-over powerplay, before Tim David's late onslaught added an unbeaten 37 runs from 17 balls.
Warner's innings included 12 fours and one six, though he had a stroke of luck on 48 when wicketkeeper Nicholas Pooran missed a challenging chance, diving one-handed.
Inglis was also fortunate to survive a chance when Brandon King dropped a catch in the outfield, but his luck ran out shortly after in the eighth over, departing for 39 runs from 25 balls.
Warner's boundary spree in Holder's over
Warner, who kick-started the innings with four boundaries off Jason Holder in the second over, was dismissed in the 13th over after edging an Alzarri Joseph delivery to Pooran.
Australia found themselves at 159/5 in the 16th over after losing 4-30, before David and Matthew Wade combined for a brisk partnership of 50 runs off 23 balls. Andre Russell, with figures of 3/42 from four overs, accounted for Wade (21 runs from 14 balls) and Sean Abbott, who fell for a first-ball duck in the final over.
West Indies' losing streak continues
West Indies, choosing to bowl first after winning the toss at Blundstone Arena, are recovering from a demoralising ODI defeat to Australia, where they were bowled out for 86 runs. Following Australia's three T20 matches against the West Indies, they will embark on a three-game series away to New Zealand ahead of the World Cup in June. The tourists have welcomed back key players Russell, Holder, Pooran, and Akeal Hosein after the quartet missed the recent ODI series.
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