West Indies Lose Fourth Consecutive T20I, Set Unwanted Record

The West Indies continue to spiral in a cycle of defeats on home soil. After a one-sided thrashing in the three-Test series against Australia, the two-time T20 World Champions have now lost the T20I series as well. Having already conceded the series in the previous match, the remaining two T20Is were an opportunity for consolation, but the West Indies fell short again today (Sunday), losing by 3 wickets despite posting 205 runs in the fourth T20I.

This marks the seventh time the Caribbean side has lost a T20I after scoring 200 or more runs, a dubious record unmatched by any other team. In the ongoing series, the West Indies had previously lost the second T20I despite setting a target exceeding 200 runs. Batting first at Warner Park in St. Kitts, no West Indies batsman could surpass 31 runs. Despite an aggressive start, the team failed to build substantial innings, losing wickets at regular intervals and finishing at 205.

The opening pair managed 23 runs in 2 overs before Brandon King was dismissed for 18 off 10 balls. Shai Hope (10) and Roston Chase (0) followed quickly. Every batsman who came to the crease started aggressively but fell shortly after. Sherfane Rutherford top-scored with 31 off 15 balls, including 4 fours and 2 sixes. Rovman Powell (28 off 22), Romario Shepherd (28 off 18), and Jason Holder (26 off 16) also contributed, but the innings fizzled out. For Australia, Adam Zampa took 3 wickets, while Aaron Hardie, Xavier Bartlett, and Sean Abbott claimed 2 wickets each. With the series already secured, Australia rested Tim David, the centurion from the previous match, and brought in Bartlett. Glenn Maxwell stole the spotlight with a spectacular boundary catch and took 2 catches in the match. Chasing the hefty target, Australia lost opener and captain Mitchell Marsh to the second ball without scoring. However, Josh Inglis and Glenn Maxwell steadied the innings with a 66-run partnership off 35 balls for the second wicket. Maxwell fell for 47 off 18 balls, including 6 sixes and a four, just 3 runs shy of a fifty. Inglis scored 51 off 30 balls with 10 fours and a six. Despite quick dismissals of Mitchell Wade and Cooper Connolly, Cameron Green anchored the chase, scoring an unbeaten 55 off 35 balls with 3 fours and 3 sixes to secure the victory. Aaron Hardie added 23 runs. Australia reached the target with 4 balls and 3 wickets to spare. Jedediah Blades took 3 wickets for the West Indies.