Mitchell Owen scored an extraordinary debut goal for the Matildas. His unbeaten half-century led his side to victory by three wickets in a nail-biting first T20 international against West Indies at Sabina Park, Kingston. With this victory, Australia has gone one up in the five-match T20I series, taking a lead of 1-0 against the Caribbean side.
We came into this tournament with a T20 franchise batting average of 25.89, but Owen proved us all wrong right off the bat. Such was the manner in which he started his innings! In one of his first overs, he smashed a six off West Indies bowler Andre Russell on his very first ball. Owen brought the party, taking on the West Indies bowling attack. He clattered five more sixes in his 27-ball blitz to finish with a half-century.
The young Australian gave arguably the greatest individual performance ever seen. He anchored a critical 80 run stand for the fifth wicket with Cameron Green. Green was perhaps the most important as he blitzed 51 runs off a mere 26 deliveries. Their partnership was crucial in steadying the innings after Australia had lost early wickets.
To qualify, Australia needed to chase down their target of 190 runs in less than 17 overs. Owen’s dismissal by Alzarri Joseph when the team was just 15 runs away from victory sealed their fate. Despite his departure, Australia won by four wickets with a ball to spare. They fell short, finishing their innings at 190 for 7 in 18.5 overs. The West Indies had posted a difficult target to chase, scoring 189 for 8 in their 20 overs.
Owen’s debut performance not only highlighted his potential but showcased Australia’s depth in talent as they seek to build momentum in this series. With the team now ahead in the series, they will aim to maintain their form in the upcoming matches against the West Indies.
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