BASSETERRE, St. Kitts — Australia brought their Caribbean campaign to a triumphant close with a tense but composed three-wicket win over the West Indies in the fifth T20 International on Monday, sealing a historic 5-0 series sweep and capping off a flawless tour that included a clean sweep in the preceding Test series.
For the fifth consecutive match, Australia won the toss and chose to chase—a strategy that proved once again effective as they restricted the West Indies to 170, their lowest total of the series, before chasing down the target with 18 balls to spare.
Green, David, Owen shine before Hardie seals the deal
Cameron Green (32 off 18) set the tone in the chase with another impactful knock, continuing his rich vein of form. However, his attempt to clear the rope off Akeal Hosein (3-17) only found Matthew Forde at long-off, briefly giving the hosts a lifeline.
Tim David, returning to the lineup after his record-breaking 102 not out in the third T20I, looked in explosive touch again, smashing 30 off just 11 balls, including four towering sixes, before falling to Alzarri Joseph (2-21) at the leg-side boundary.
Mitch Owen picked up the baton with a composed 37, showcasing maturity well beyond his years as he built a measured innings. But his promising stay ended when he edged Hosein to short third man.
With wickets falling and tension simmering, Aaron Hardie (28 not out) held his nerve and shepherded the tail, ably supported by Ben Dwarshuis (9) and Sean Abbott, guiding Australia to 173-7 and yet another clinical finish.
West Indies falter again despite Hetmyer, Rutherford sparks
The West Indies had earlier posted 170, thanks largely to a brisk 52 off 31 balls from Shimron Hetmyer, who top-scored for the hosts before being dismissed via a low catch by Abbott at long-off. Sherfane Rutherford (35 off 17) also offered a glimpse of firepower, taking on the bowlers with a thunderous six off Abbott before falling to a clever delivery from Glenn Maxwell, who bowled him attempting a cut.
The innings, however, unravelled in the death overs—losing their final four wickets for just 15 runs. It was a familiar pattern throughout the series: early promise followed by late collapse.
Ben Dwarshuis (3-41) returned to the side with purpose, removing Shai Hope and Brandon King after conceding early boundaries. Celebrating his 100th T20I appearance, Adam Zampa (1-20) added to the misery, bowling Joseph in the penultimate over.
Unprecedented whitewash marks new era of Aussie depth
The victory marked Australia’s first-ever 5-0 T20I series sweep, while the West Indies endured their first time going winless across five T20 matches in a single series.
The series highlighted the depth of Australia’s middle-order and their ability to adapt seamlessly, regardless of who stepped onto the field.
With momentum on their side, Australia now turn their attention to six white-ball fixtures against South Africa on home soil. Buoyed by the consistency of emerging talents and the leadership of Marsh, they will look to carry their Caribbean momentum into their next challenge—with a team that is beginning to look both flexible and formidable.
