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West Indies
Australia
Australia will begin the T20I leg of their West Indies tour with the first match at Sabina Park, Kingston. After clean-sweeping the Test series 3-0, Australia will walk into this 5-match T20I series with strong momentum. Mitch Marsh will continue as captain for the visitors, while Shai Hope will lead the West Indies side.
Australia have won 3 of their last 5 T20Is, with 1 loss and 1 match abandoned. On the other hand, the West Indies have struggled in recent matches, winning just 1 of their last 5 matches. However, the T20 format tends to suit their power-hitters better than the longer format.
In head-to-head matches across formats, Australia have dominated recently, winning 4 of their last 5 against the West Indies. 4 of those matches were won by the team batting first, suggesting conditions at Sabina Park could favour the side setting a target. Australia will start as favourites for this game.
The West Indies have multiple power-hitters who have scored consistently in T20Is recently, making them strong contenders for the top individual score.
The betting tip is...
Top Batterβs Team - West Indies
60 %
40 %
West IndiesAustraliaAndre Russell will play his final two international games for the West Indies in this series. Matthew Forde will replace him for the St Kitts leg. Teenagers Jewel Andrew and Jediah Blades will make their first appearances in the West Indies T20I squad.
Andrew had made headlines in CPL 2024, scoring a fifty at just 17 years and 266 days. Blades has not played in the CPL but impressed in the West Indies Breakout League with the new ball.
Among batters, Rovman Powell has scored 461 runs in 16 innings in the past year. Shai Hope has made 379 runs in 12 innings, while Evin Lewis has scored 317 in as many innings. In bowling, Romario Shepherd has picked 20 wickets in 16 innings, and Akeal Hosein has 17 in 12 innings. Jason Holder and Shimron Hetmyer will provide experience, while Sherfane Rutherford will be another key name to watch.
Hope, Shepherd and Lewis are the key players.
Predicted Lineup: Evin Lewis, Brandon King, Shai Hope (c, wk), Rovman Powell, Shimron Hetmyer, Sherfane Rutherford, Andre Russell, Jason Holder, Romario Shepherd, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph.
Australia will field a fresh-looking squad for the T20I series. Travis Head has been rested, along with senior pacers Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood. Mitchell Owen will return to the international setup for this series.
Glenn Maxwell, Mitch Marsh and Adam Zampa will bring experience to the group. The squad will feature several all-rounders, including Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Glenn Maxwell, Tim David and Cooper Connolly. Mitchell Owen also provides a part-time bowling option, while Sean Abbott can contribute with the bat.
Josh Inglis has been Australiaβs top T20I scorer in the past year, scoring 236 runs in 7 innings at an average of 47.20 and a strike rate of 167.37. Maxwell has 143 runs in 5 innings at a 155.43 strike rate. Zampa has led the bowling with 12 wickets in 8 innings. Abbott and Bartlett have picked 11 and 9 wickets respectively in the same period.
Marsh, Maxwell and Zampa are the key players.
Predicted Lineup: Matthew Short, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Mitchell Marsh (c), Cameron Green, Glenn Maxwell, Tim David, Aaron Hardie, Josh Inglis (wk), Sean Abbott, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Xavier Bartlett.
Australia will come into this T20I with strong form and an experienced batting unit. However, West Indies will have the home advantage and several power-hitters who can turn the game quickly. Players like Shai Hope, Rovman Powell and Evin Lewis have been in good touch over the last year. With Andre Russell also playing his farewell series, the motivation in the West Indies camp will be high.
The venue will favour batters and if West Indies bat first, they can post a solid total. Their top-order can step up in this format. West Indies may surprise with a standout performance from one of their top batters.
