Warner’s Heroics Propel Australia to Victory in T20 Opener Against West Indies

Opener David Warner marked his historic 100th T20I appearance with a scintillating knock of 70 off just 36 balls, steering Australia to a thrilling 11-run victory over the West Indies in the first T20 international in Hobart.

Joined by partner Josh Inglis who contributed 39, Warner laid a solid foundation upfront for Australia after losing the toss, as late fireworks from Tim David (37 not out off 17 balls) powered the hosts to a challenging total of 213-7 at the Blundstone Arena.

West Indies, on the chase for their second-highest T20 run chase, started strongly with Brandon King (53) and Johnson Charles (42) stitching a promising 89-run partnership for the opening wicket. However, the spin duo of Adam Zampa (3-26) and Marcus Stoinis (2-20) orchestrated a collapse in the middle overs, denying the visitors their target.

Jason Holder’s late heroics, scoring an unbeaten 35 from 14 balls, brought the West Indies over the 200-run mark but fell short of Australia’s total as they concluded at 202-8, handing the hosts a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series.

Speaking post-match, Warner expressed his delight at the win, emphasizing his intention to participate in the upcoming T20 World Cup before bidding adieu to the shortest format. After a triumphant Test cricket finale against Pakistan, Warner aims to finish his T20 stint at the grand stage of the World Cup.

Australia’s packed T20 calendar includes six matches in the next three weeks, following a dominant 3-0 ODI series victory against the West Indies. The next face-off in the T20 series is scheduled for Sunday in Adelaide, with the final game set for Perth next Wednesday.

The Men’s T20 World Cup, set to take place in West Indies and the USA in June, with England as defending champions in the expanded 20-team tournament, presents a major global cricket spectacle.

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