Australia sealed an emphatic 5-0 T20I whitewash over West Indies, showcasing the depth of their batting and bowling strength in the final match at Perth. Despite Shimron Hetmyer’s return to form with his first T20I half-century since August 2023, it wasn’t enough to deny Australia another dominant victory, as they chased down 171 with three wickets in hand, finishing at 173 for 7.
The contest was another example of Australia’s aggressive batting intent and relentless pressure with the ball. Mitchell Marsh, who has been in charge of the side during this series, won the toss for the fifth consecutive time – meaning Australia astonishingly claimed all eight tosses across this tour. Unsurprisingly, Marsh chose to field, a strategy that has served them well throughout the series.
From the outset, Australia’s bowlers applied the squeeze. Left-arm pacer Ben Dwarshuis, returning after being rested for the fourth T20I, made a strong case for himself in the pecking order of Australia’s pace arsenal. He struck early, dismissing both of West Indies’ in-form openers. Shai Hope was beaten by a sharp delivery that sneaked through him, while Brandon King mistimed a pull shot and was caught at midwicket. At that point, West Indies were reeling, their top order unable to impose themselves as they had hoped.
Dwarshuis’ first three overs were precise and probing, but his final over proved costly, leaking 19 runs, including a no-ball that resulted in a free hit. Hetmyer capitalised, smashing the free hit for six before bringing up his half-century from just 30 balls – a timely return to form for the talented left-hander. But Hetmyer couldn’t finish the innings on a high; he holed out to Sean Abbott at long-off to give Dwarshuis his third wicket, ending a promising knock of 52.
Hetmyer and Jason Holder had staged a mini-recovery, adding 47 runs for the fifth wicket, but Australia kept chipping away. Nathan Ellis once again excelled in the death overs, using clever variations and sharp reflexes – including an under-arm throw off his own bowling to run out the final batter – to ensure West Indies were bowled out for exactly 170.
Meanwhile, Adam Zampa reached a personal milestone by playing his 100th T20I, becoming only the fourth Australian man to achieve the feat. He chipped in with a wicket, continuing his role as a vital cog in Australia’s white-ball setup.
The chase began in typical Australian fashion: with aggression and intent. However, the start wasn’t without hiccups. Jason Holder struck twice in his opening over, dismissing Josh Inglis and Glenn Maxwell. Inglis, after scoring two quick boundaries, was caught at mid-on attempting another attacking stroke. Maxwell, who had earlier dropped a sitter in the field, endured a night to forget, registering a golden duck after edging Holder to short third.
Mitchell Marsh’s lean patch continued when he was undone by an absolute peach from Alzarri Joseph, who nipped one past his inside edge to hit the stumps. At 25 for 3 in the third over, West Indies sensed an opening.
But Australia’s middle order quickly shut that door. Tim David, one of the most destructive hitters in world cricket, exploded with 30 off just 12 balls, clubbing four sixes in a brutal cameo. He took 16 runs off four balls from Holder before hammering Joseph for two more maximums, briefly threatening to replicate his record-breaking 37-ball hundred from the third T20I. However, his blitz ended when he couldn’t clear the boundary on an attempted six and was caught at deep square leg.
If David’s dismissal offered West Indies hope, Mitchell Owen swiftly snatched it away. The youngster struck consecutive sixes off Matthew Forde and sent another onto the stadium roof off Jediah Blades. But the introduction of Akeal Hosein in the 10th over finally stemmed the run flow. Hosein immediately made an impact, removing Owen with his second ball.
Cameron Green, later named Player of the Series for his all-round contributions, looked like he would guide Australia home but fell with 30 still needed, lofting one to long-off. Hosein, who bowled brilliantly for figures of 3 for 17, kept the game alive, but with only 170 on the board, West Indies didn’t have enough cushion.
In the end, Aaron Hardie showed composure, steering Australia through tense moments and ensuring there would be no twist in the tale.
This victory capped a 5-0 sweep, underlining Australia’s dominance and their fearless approach to T20 cricket. With Dwarshuis making crucial inroads, David and Owen flexing their hitting power, and the experienced heads like Zampa and Ellis holding their nerve, the series served as a reminder of just how deep Australia’s talent pool runs.
For West Indies, Hetmyer’s fifty and Hosein’s control were rare positives, but they will rue missed chances and an inability to build on good positions.
Australia, meanwhile, head into their next assignment brimming with confidence – and with the statement that they are ready to take on anyone in the shortest format.
