A half-century from Aaron Finch and his 69-run partnership with wicketkeeper-batter Matthew Wade helped Australia clinch a thrilling three-wicket win over West Indies in the first T20I of two-match series in Carrara on Wednesday.
Australia has taken a 1-0 lead over WI in the two-match series. In the first innings, West Indies posted 145/9 in 20 overs, with Kyle Mayers (39) top-scoring for his side. Pacer Josh Hazlewood (3/35) put brakes on scoring by the visitors and did not allow any big partnerships to prosper. Chasing 146, Australia kept losing wickets at regular intervals, but Finch (58) and Matthew Wade (39*) helped the hosts get across the line, winning by three wickets. Chasing 146, WI pacers Sheldon Cotrell and Alzarri Joseph dismissed opener David Warner (14) and Mitchell Marsh (3), reducing Australia to 21/2.
Finch and Green started to rebuild the innings after losing two important wickets. Joseph dislodged Cameron Green’s (14) leg stump, reducing Aussies to 56/3.
West Indies continued to dominate Australian batters, sending back explosive batters Glenn Maxwell and Tim David for ducks. Australia was reduced to 58/5 in 7.5 overs. Finch was joined by Wade. These two experienced batters kept the scoreboard ticking.