All-round Marsh lifts Australia to first win on tour

On Jul 15, 2021

Australia came out on top in a roller coaster fourth T20I against the West Indies in Gross Islet on Wednesday to kick-start their preparations for the fast-approaching T20 World Cup.

Electing to bat first, Australia set West Indies a target of 190 to win and got home by just four runs in the end.

In a match packed with twists and turns, the hosts went from outsiders to favourites and back again in the space of two overs. Needing 36 runs off the final 12 balls, they went into the final over needing a gettable 11 runs to win. In the end, Mitchell Starc showed nerves of steel against Andre Russell, bowling five consecutive dots before conceding an inconsequential six off the final ball.

The hero of the day for Australia was Mitchell Marsh, who notched his highest T20I score as well as his best figures in the format.

Marsh and Aaron Finch provided the bedrock of Australia’s innings, combining in a 114-run second-wicket stand.

Chief scores

Australia: 189/6 in 20 overs (Aaron Finch 53, Mitchell Marsh 75, Hayden Walsh 3/27)

West Indies: 185/6 in 20 overs (Lendl Simmons 72, Evin Lewis 31, Fabian Allen 29, Mitchell Marsh 3/24). (Agencies)