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In a riveting contest at Bellerive Oval in Hobart on Friday, February 9, Australia emerged victorious against West Indies in the first T20I of the three-match series, securing a victory by 11 runs. The match witnessed standout performances from David Warner with the bat and Adam Zampa with the ball, solidifying Australia’s dominance.
Captain Rovman Powell’s decision to bowl first
Opting to bowl after winning the toss, West Indies, led by Captain Rovman Powell, sought redemption after a challenging ODI series. The return of key players, including Brandon King, Andre Russell and Nicholas Pooran, bolstered the West Indies line-up. Following the disappointment of being bowled out for 86 in the last ODI match, West Indies entered the contest with an aim for a strong comeback in the T20I series.
David Warner’s explosive innings sets the stage
Australia, however, had different plans, particularly fueled by a masterclass from Warner. The left-handed batter showcased his brilliance, smashing an impressive 70 runs off 36 balls, featuring one six and 12 boundaries. Warner’s clinical display propelled Australia to a formidable 213/7 in their allotted 20 overs. Contributions from Josh Inglis (39) and Tim David (37 not out) further strengthened Australia’s position.
West Indies’ strong start and subsequent collapse
Responding to the challenging target, West Indies had a promising start, amassing 72 runs in the powerplay, thanks to Johnson Charles and Brandon King‘s aggressive approach. King’s notable 53 and Charles’ 42 formed a crucial partnership of 89 runs. However, once the partnership was disrupted, the West Indies middle order crumbled under the pressure.
Jason Holder’s fight and Australia’s bowling brilliance led by Adam Zampa
Despite the challenging situation, Jason Holder played a pivotal role lower down the order, showcasing resilience with a vital 34 runs. However, the West Indies middle order couldn’t withstand the effective bowling of Marcus Stoinis and Adam Zampa. Zampa’s impressive figures of 3 wickets for 27 runs played a crucial role in dismantling the West Indies batting lineup. Sean Abbott‘s exceptional fielding, marked by four catches, further supported the Australian bowling effort.
Also READ: David Warner creates a unique record in his 100th T20I match
Australia secures victory by 11 runs
In the end, Australia’s comprehensive performance, both with the bat and ball, sealed the match by 11 runs. Warner was named Player of the Match for his explosive batting. The collective efforts of the team, strategic captaincy, and individual brilliance paved the way for Australia’s triumph in the series opener. The stage is now set for an enthralling battle in the remaining matches of the T20I series.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
So good Adam Zampa. Without him, Australia lose most T20 games. #AUSvWI
— Craig M (@diminutiverowdy) February 9, 2024
David Warner player of the match. It’s like he never left. #AUSvWI
— Andrew Wu (@wutube) February 9, 2024
What a spell from Zampa. Aussies were all at sea before he came on. He walks away with 3 wickets, including 2 in his last over. Great performance. #ausvwi
— Rory Burnside (@RoryBurnside) February 9, 2024
David Warner does like himself a 100th game. 124 off 119 in his 100th ODI in Bengaluru. That famous 200 in his 100th Test last summer at the MCG, and now already past 50 in his 100th T20I #AusvWI
— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) February 9, 2024
Zampa got 3-28 in his 4 over …..WI lossing the track …playing tash short and Getting out on simple balls….Chase on….#AUSvWI pic.twitter.com/tUOm4x6JDZ
— Hriday Singh (@hridaysingh16) February 9, 2024
How good Adam Zampa was, just 26 runs and taking 3 crucial wickets. He is doing great since World Cup 2023. 👏🏼#AdamZampa #AUSvWI
— Mihir Jain (@mihir0504) February 9, 2024
Had Pooran not wasted the number of deliveries that he did, this would've been a close match.#AUSvWI
— Yash Agarwalla (@Yashagarwalla) February 9, 2024
In the end the Windies made a decent fist of it.
Aussies rule….#AUSvWI— Patrick Johns (@PatrickJoh21665) February 9, 2024
A run-fest in Hobart but the Aussies take a 1-0 series lead #AUSvWI pic.twitter.com/BAkVJV5pl3
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) February 9, 2024
Jason Holder 34* (15) brilliant chase this from West Indies who fall just 11 short off 214 Target
Nicholas Pooran's 18 off 17 might have cost them the game#AUSvWI pic.twitter.com/tRPgxlrK3Z
— Abhijeet ♞ (@TheYorkerBall) February 9, 2024
Australia won the 1st T20I by 11 runs and go 1-0 up
WI made a good effort but it was too much at the end #AUSvWI
— ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA) February 9, 2024
Australia win the opening T20I.#AUSvWI #MenInMaroon pic.twitter.com/Qm7QG4GJIW
— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) February 9, 2024
