Andre Russell had already announced his retirement from international T20s, confirming he would bow out after the first two matches against Australia. Although he delivered a blistering performance with the bat in his farewell match, it wasn’t enough to secure a win for the West Indies.
Australia comfortably clinched the second match of the five-game T20 series, winning by eight wickets with 28 balls to spare. Batting first, West Indies posted 172 runs, with Andre Russell contributing a fiery 36 off just 15 balls.
Andre Russell ( West Indies Legend )
Opting to bowl first after winning the toss in Kingston on Wednesday, Australia saw West Indies make a solid start. The opening pair of Brandon King and Shai Hope added 63 runs off 48 balls. King impressed with a quickfire 51 from 36 deliveries, but once the stand was broken, the West Indies began losing wickets at regular intervals. Hope departed for just 9, and despite Andre Russell fireworks which included two boundaries and four sixes at a strike rate of 240 the Windies couldn’t build lasting momentum. Gudakesh Motie chipped in with 18 off 9, helping the team reach 172/8.
In reply, Australia lost Glenn Maxwell early, as he managed only 12 off 10 balls. Captain Mitchell Marsh followed shortly after, scoring 21 off 17. At 48/2, Australia looked slightly shaky.
However, Josh Inglis and Cameron Green quickly turned the tide. While Green anchored the innings, Inglis took charge with an explosive half-century off just 22 balls. Their unbroken 131-run partnership for the third wicket sealed the win in dominant fashion. Inglis smashed 78 off 33 balls, while Green supported with 56 from 32 deliveries, taking Australia home with ease.
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