Inglis, Green Power Australia to Series Win as Russell Bids Farewell in Style

Australia Seal T20I Series with Dominant Win Despite Russell’s Emotional Send-Off

Australia clinched a commanding eight-wicket victory over West Indies in the second T20I at Sabina Park, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series and spoiling what was meant to be a fairy-tale ending for Andre Russell, who played his final international match.

Josh Inglis and Cameron Green orchestrated a sensational chase, sharing an unbroken 131-run stand — the highest third-wicket partnership for Australia in T20Is — to chase down 173 in just 15.2 overs. The duo combined power with precision, as Inglis stormed to 78 off 33* while Green added an unbeaten 56 off 33.

Spinners Lay the Groundwork

Before the batting fireworks, it was the Aussie spinners who shaped the contest. After West Indies got off to a flying start through Brandon King (51 off 36), Adam Zampa and Glenn Maxwell cut through the top order with five wickets between them. Zampa finished with 3 for 29, while Maxwell’s clever variations earned him 2 for 15.

Their strikes reduced West Indies from 63/0 to 99/5, dramatically halting any momentum built in the powerplay.

Russell’s Final Flourish

The highlight for West Indies was a vintage cameo from Andre Russell. Greeted by a standing ovation and guard of honour, he blasted 36 off just 15 balls, hammering three sixes and two fours. Russell’s quickfire knock reignited hopes for the home side, but his dismissal to Nathan Ellis ended the dream rally.

Australia paid their respects, lining up to shake his hand as he exited the field for the final time. The emotional send-off, however, was marred by West Indies’ six dropped catches, three of which came in one over — all proving costly.

Inglis, Green Capitalize on Errors

Dropped twice each, Inglis and Green made the most of their second lives. Inglis struck five sixes and seven boundaries, accelerating ruthlessly once settled. Green, too, cleared the ropes four times as the pair took down both pace and spin with ease.

From 42/2, Australia rocketed to 173/2 in just over 15 overs. By the time the 14th over ended, they needed just four runs to win with 30 balls remaining, underlining their dominance and punishing West Indies’ fielding lapses.

Australia’s Tactical Spin Pays Off

Australia’s decision to field two specialist spinners — unusual for their T20I strategy — now seems prescient as they look ahead to the T20 World Cup. Kuhnemann, Zampa, and Maxwell collectively spun a web around the Windies’ batting lineup, laying a strong foundation for the chase.