Australia defeated West Indies by 3 wickets in the 4th T20I of the five-match series at Basseterre. West Indies posted another strong total of 205/8 in 20 overs, thanks to the combined efforts of Sherfane Rutherford (31), Romario Shepherd (28), and Rovman Powell (28). Cameron Green played a composed knock, remaining unbeaten on 55 off 35 balls to help Australia chase down the target of 206. Earlier, the platform was set by Josh Inglis, who smashed 51 off 30 balls. At the top of the order, Glenn Maxwell struck a quickfire 47 from just 18 balls. His all-round display, which also included two catches, earned him the Player of the Match award.

Australia Dominates in the Field

Australia looked sharp in the field once again. Maxwell pulled off two stunning catches—one in collaboration with Green near the boundary rope. Their athleticism and awareness made a key difference in the game. With regulars Ben Dwarshuis and Tim David rested, Aaron Hardie and Xavier Bartlett made the most of their chances. Bartlett bagged 2 for 39, and Hardie finished with 2 for 24. The new-ball pair claimed three wickets inside the powerplay. Nathan Ellis was outstanding again, conceding only 21 runs from four overs. Spinners Adam Zampa and Sean Abbott added five wickets between them. Interestingly, West Indies became the first team in T20I history to cross 200 runs without any individual scoring more than 34. Sherfane Rutherford top-scored with 31.

Bartlett and Hardie Strike Early

Before this match, Australia had only taken one wicket in the powerplay across the previous three games. But Bartlett and Hardie changed that with short-of-a-length deliveries. Bartlett dismissed both Brandon King and Shai Hope, while Hardie got Roston Chase, thanks to Maxwell’s acrobatic catch at mid-on. West Indies, however, kept swinging. Rutherford, Powell, and Hetmyer played entertaining cameos but failed to convert starts. Mitchell Owen contributed with a brilliant catch to dismiss Hetmyer, and Hardie struck again to remove Powell. At 119 for 6 in the 12th over, the hosts were struggling.

Maxwell Pulls Off a Gravity-Defying Catch

Romario Shepherd and Jason Holder tried to rebuild, with Shepherd displaying his big-hitting skills. He took on Sean Abbott and lifted the West Indies past 150 before falling to a remarkable piece of fielding. Maxwell leapt into the air at long-on to take a catch that seemed impossible. He caught it with both hands while balancing on his surgically-repaired leg and flicked it to Green before stepping over the boundary rope. It was a moment that highlighted Australia’s fielding excellence. Thanks to that effort and tight death bowling, Australia conceded just 41 runs in the final five overs. Rain caused a long interruption during the final over, but it didn’t stop Ellis from finishing strong.

Inglis Fires Early, Maxwell Follows Up

There was a moment when the West Indies thought luck might favour them. Mitchell Marsh fell lbw to Blades on the second ball of the innings and chose not to review, though replays showed the ball pitched outside leg stump. However, once the swing disappeared, Australia bounced back. Inglis hammered seven boundaries in 11 balls and raised a quick 50-run stand with Maxwell. Inglis reached his half-century from 28 deliveries before falling in the powerplay. Maxwell took control with his trademark aggressive approach. He smashed six sixes in a blistering innings, including three in a row, helping Australia cruise to 129 for 2 after just 10 overs.

Collapse Opens the Door for West Indies

Just when Australia seemed to be racing towards victory, Maxwell’s miscue triggered a collapse. Blades dismissed Owen and Connolly in quick succession. He almost got a third when Hardie was dropped twice in two balls. But Cameron Green stayed calm. He cleared the boundary every time the pressure mounted. Green brought up his fifty in 30 balls, and despite wickets falling around him, kept Australia in control. He offered one late chance with 11 runs still needed, but Rutherford dropped him at deep midwicket. With that, Australia sealed a thrilling win and continued their dominance over West Indies in the series.