West Indies v Australia - fifth T20 scorecard

The curtains drew on a captivating Twenty20 International series between West Indies and Australia, with the fifth and final encounter delivering another dose of high-octane cricket from Warner Park in St Kitts. While the series outcome had been decided earlier, this concluding fixture offered both sides a final opportunity to fine-tune their strategies and test their depth ahead of crucial assignments. The scorecard, as expected, paints a vivid picture of the ebb and flow that characterises modern T20 cricket, highlighting individual brilliance and collective effort under the Caribbean sun.

Australia, batting first after winning the toss, posted a challenging total on a pitch that appeared to offer a good balance for both bat and ball. Their innings was anchored by a robust opening stand, which saw their aggressive top-order capitalise on the powerplay restrictions, dispatching the new ball to all parts of the ground. While the West Indies bowlers managed to pull things back somewhat in the middle overs with some disciplined spin and clever variations, a late surge from Australia's lower-middle order ensured they reached a formidable score, setting a stiff target for the home side. Key contributions came from their experienced campaigners, who rotated the strike effectively and found the boundaries when needed, showcasing their strategic intent to end the series on a high.

The West Indies chase began with characteristic flair, as their powerful openers looked to emulate Australia's fast start. However, the Australian bowlers, buoyed by the substantial total, applied relentless pressure from both ends. Early wickets, particularly in the powerplay, severely hampered the home team's momentum. Despite a valiant effort from their middle order, who attempted to rebuild the innings with a mix of calculated risks and sensible batting, the required run rate steadily climbed. The Australian pacers, supported by their spinners, maintained excellent lines and lengths, making scoring difficult and forcing errors. Ultimately, the disciplined bowling and sharp fielding by the tourists proved too much for the West Indies, who fell short of the target, bringing an exciting series to a close.