Australia defeated West Indies by 3 wickets in the fifth T20I of the five-match series at Warner Park. With another powerful performance in the final T20I, Australia completed a 5-0 whitewash against West Indies. Tim David and Mitchell Owen smashed seven sixes between them, displaying brutal hitting. Their effort added to the overall six count in the series, which became the second-highest ever in a bilateral T20I contest.Akeal Hosein gave West Indies some hope with the ball, but Aaron Hardie calmly guided Australia to victory.

Marsh’s Toss Win Leads to Smart Bowling Decision

Australia's captain, Mitchell Marsh, won his fifth consecutive toss of the series and chose to bowl. That made it eight toss wins out of eight for the Aussies on this tour. Australia struck early in the powerplay, picking up three wickets and never letting West Indies settle. Every time a partnership started to build, the bowlers broke through. Shimron Hetmyer and Jason Holder tried to revive the innings with a 47-run stand. Hetmyer reached his first T20I half-century since August 2023, but lost his wicket on the very next ball.

Ellis and Zampa Shine in the Field

Nathan Ellis impressed once again in the final overs. He executed a brilliant run-out by underarming the ball directly into the stumps. Adam Zampa had a special moment too. He took a wicket in his 100th T20I appearance, becoming only the fourth Australian men’s player to reach that milestone.

David’s Early Carnage Sets the Tone

Australia’s batting in the powerplay was intense. Jason Holder struck twice in his first over. Alzarri Joseph dismissed Marsh with a terrific delivery. Then Tim David exploded. He hammered 30 runs off just 12 balls, including four sixes in the opening five overs. From there, the run rate was never a problem. West Indies could only hope to take wickets quickly. But those hopes faded when Joseph left the field with an injury. Hosein bowled well, but Australia were always in control.

Dwarshuis Grabs Key Wickets

Ben Dwarshuis returned to the side after missing the fourth game. He struck early, dismissing both West Indies openers. He clean bowled Shai Hope after two early boundaries. Then he removed Brandon King, who mistimed a shot to midwicket. Though Hetmyer hit Dwarshuis for a six and reached his fifty off 30 balls, the bowler had the last laugh. Sean Abbott caught Hetmyer at long-off, giving Dwarshuis his third wicket.

Maxwell’s Mixed Night

Glenn Maxwell had an eventful game. He dropped an easy catch at mid-on but luckily it didn’t cost much. Later, he got out for a golden duck, edging Holder to short third. However, he had a key moment with the ball. Sherfane Rutherford was batting aggressively, scoring 35 off 16 balls. But when he tried to hit Maxwell too square, the ball crashed into the stumps. As Maxwell noted, "Once the left-hander was gone, I was done for the night."

All-Out Attack in the Powerplay

Australia stayed aggressive with the bat from the start. After Maxwell’s early exit, Josh Inglis tried to hit back with two quick boundaries. But he soon found mid-on and got out. Marsh hit a few boundaries too, but Joseph bowled him with a beauty that sliced through the inside edge. Australia slipped to 25 for 3. Then David took charge. He smashed 16 runs off four balls from Holder and followed it with two more sixes against Joseph. He looked like repeating his earlier 37-ball hundred but fell trying to clear deep square leg.

Owen Steps Up, Hosein Fights Back

Mitchell Owen continued the assault. He hit two sixes off Matthew Forde and then launched one onto the stadium roof against Jediah Blades. Akeal Hosein, who was saved for later, finally came into the attack in the 10th over. He immediately dismissed Owen, who sliced one to short third.

Hardie Finishes the Job

Cameron Green, who was later named Player of the Series, was on track to finish the match. But he was caught at long-off with 30 runs still needed. This gave West Indies a slim chance. But Aaron Hardie held his nerve and batted calmly. Even though Hosein removed Dwarshuis, it was too late. Australia crossed the target to complete a 5-0 clean sweep.