Windies Lose T20 Match To Australia

Two dropped catches costed a defeat as the West Indies went down to Australia in the first of two T20 internationals at the Metricon Stadium. The Windies, running on a few hours rest, took first strike and mounted 145 for 9 from their 20 overs. Kyle Mayers top scored with an evenly-paced 39 with Oden Smith in support registering 27. Josh Hazelwood bagged three wickets for the Aussies. In response, the home side was caught off guard and fighting on 58 for 5. However, a 69-run partnership between Aron Finch and Mathew Wade recovered the innings and took them to 137 for 7 in over number nineteen. With eleven runs needed from the final over, debutant Raymon Reifer dropped a catch on the second ball of that over and the match went to the hands of Australia, finishing on 146 for 7, winning by three wickets. Alzarri Joseph led with ball, grabbing two for 17 while debutant Yannic Cariah was superb, taking one wicket for 15 runs from his four overs. The next match takes place on Friday morning in Brisbane.