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Inglis, Green Spoil Russell’s Farewell as Australia Clinch Dominant Win in Second T20I
Australia Cruise to 2-0 Lead Despite Russell’s Explosive Farewell Knock
In what was billed as Andre Russell’s grand international farewell, Josh Inglis and Cameron Green turned spoilers in style, leading Australia to a commanding 8-wicket victory over West Indies in the second T20I of the series. With this triumph, the Aussies go 2-0 up in the three-match series, chasing down a competitive 173 in just 15.2 overs at a stunning strike rate.
Russell’s Emotional Final Outing in Maroon
Farewell Fireworks from the Veteran All-Rounder
Andre Russell, one of West Indies’ most explosive T20 cricketers, played his final international game in front of a packed stadium. The all-rounder was given a fitting guard of honour from both teams before putting on a brief but blazing show. His 15-ball 36 featured three sixes and two fours, reigniting memories of his best days in maroon.
Coming in late in the innings, Russell wasted no time taking on the Australian bowling attack. He launched Ben Dwarshuis for three sixes in a single over and followed it up by taking Adam Zampa to the cleaners. However, a well-disguised slower delivery from Nathan Ellis saw him mistime a big shot, bringing his final knock to an emotional close.
West Indies’ Mixed Performance with the Bat
Electing to bat first, West Indies posted 172/8 in 20 overs. Brandon King anchored the innings with a well-crafted 51, taking the charge in the powerplay and reaching his fifty by the eighth over. However, the momentum was disrupted after King’s dismissal by Zampa.
Shai Hope struggled for rhythm and got dismissed shortly after, followed by Shimron Hetmyer who fell to Glenn Maxwell. A double-strike by Zampa further dented the innings, dismissing Roston Chase and Sherfane Rutherford. Despite late fireworks from Russell and a brief cameo by Gudakesh Motie, the West Indies couldn’t reach a total that would trouble a rampaging Australian side.
Inglis-Green Masterclass Seals the Series
Match-Winning Partnership Turns the Tide
Australia’s chase was off to a fiery start, thanks to Glenn Maxwell who smashed a four and six in the opening over. Though he fell quickly to Jason Holder, the momentum remained with the visitors. Mitchell Marsh added 21 before falling just before the powerplay ended.
However, what followed was nothing short of domination. Josh Inglis and Cameron Green built an unbroken 131-run stand that silenced the crowd and overshadowed Russell’s farewell. Inglis blazed his way to 78* off just 38 balls, while Green remained unbeaten on 56* off 29 balls.
Both batters feasted on the West Indies bowlers, punishing every error. Inglis brought up his fifty in just 23 balls, while Green raised his half-century soon after. From the 11th over onward, it was a demolition job. The duo hit multiple boundaries per over, including a 22-run assault in the 15th over that effectively sealed the game.
What’s Next?
With this win, Australia now lead the T20I series 2-0 and will look to complete a clean sweep in the final match. For West Indies, Russell’s farewell might have added some emotion to the fixture, but the team will need to regroup and rethink their strategies ahead of the next clash.
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Learn more about Andre Russell’s career achievements on ESPNcricinfo
