West Indies make a stunning comeback to defeat Australia by 18 Runs

The Caribbean nation produced a stunning comeback to defeat Australia by 18 runs in the first game of the five-match series. Chasing 146 runs for the first victory, the Kangaroos were still in control at 117-6 thanks to Mitchell Marsh's 51. However, West Indies spinner Hayden Walsh (3-23) triggered a batting collapse, and McCoy (4-26) wiped out the tail-enders. The visitors were dismissed for 127 in 16 overs.

Asked to bat first, the hosts did not have a great start. The side was struggling at 66-4 from 12 overs. However, Andre Russell's 28-ball 51 helped the hosts post 145-6. Russell's brilliant knock included three boundaries and five massive sixes. Opening batsman Lendl Simmons (27) and Shimron Hetmyer (20) were the only other notable contributors for the West Indies team. On the other end, the Australian bowling attack that included 38-year-old seamer Dan Christian troubled the hosts. Dan was playing in his first match for the national team since 2017.

Josh Hazlewood made it difficult for the hosts to score runs

The 38-year-old Australian pacer is among a number of players hoping to make it to the squad for this year's T20 World Cup. The year's mega event is scheduled to take place in October- November in the United Arab Emirates. Dan conceded 10 runs for no wicket in his two overs. On the contrary, it was fast bowler Josh Hazlewood who really made it difficult for the hosts to score runs.

After dismissing opening batsman Evin Lewis for a duck, Josh Hazlewood had the senior batsman Chris Gayle caught by Ashton Agar for four. Later on, in the match, he also got rid of Andre Russell to end up with figures of 3-12 in his four overs. Marsh also picked up two wickets in his four overs as the visitors restricted the West Indies to a below-par total on a good wicket at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium. The second T20 between West Indies and Australia will be held at the same venue on Saturday.

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