On Friday, July 13, 2025, the stage was set at Sabina Park in Kingston, Jamaica, for the third installment of the best-of-five Twenty20 international cricket series between West Indies and Australia. Australia, having already established a commanding 2-0 lead after consecutive victories in Kingston, won the toss and elected to bowl, a decision that would further shape the narrative of this series.
Australia’s Unchanged Lineup
The Australian side, led by captain Mitch Marsh, remained unchanged from their previous triumphs. The team’s consistency reflected their dominance. The lineup featured a formidable batting and bowling unit, including Glenn Maxwell, Josh Inglis, Cameron Green, Tim David, Mitchell Owen, Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshius, Sean Abbott, Nathan Ellis, and Adam Zampa. This cohesive unit showcased a blend of experience and emerging talent, contributing to their strong performance.
West Indies Makes Changes
In contrast, the West Indies squad, captained by Shai Hope, made two strategic alterations. Allrounder Romario Shepherd stepped in to replace the retiring Andre Russell, while Jediah Blades earned his T20 international debut, filling the spot previously occupied by Alzarri Joseph. The West Indies team also included Brandon King, Roston Chase, Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Jason Holder, Gudakesh Motie, and Akeal Hosein.
Early Series Dominance
The opening match of the series, held on Sunday, saw Australia secure a three-wicket victory. The foundation for this win was laid by half-centuries from Cameron Green and debutant Mitch Owen. Building on this momentum, the Australians continued their impressive form in the second game on Wednesday. Josh Inglis and Cameron Green steered Australia to an eight-wicket victory, a performance that soured Andre Russell’s farewell match for the West Indies.
The Significance of Sabina Park
The back-to-back wins at Sabina Park extended Australia’s remarkable winning streak in the Caribbean to five matches, a testament to their consistent performance across formats. This streak followed a comprehensive 3-0 test series sweep, highlighting Australia’s dominance in the region. The West Indies, despite their best efforts, struggled to contain the relentless Australian attack.
Key Players and Match Dynamics
West Indies’ captain, Roston Chase, was dismissed during the earlier test match, underscoring the intensity of the rivalry and the pressure on the key players. The Australian team’s strategic decisions and the individual brilliance of players such as Josh Inglis, Cameron Green, and Mitch Owen proved decisive in shaping the series’ trajectory.
Looking Ahead
The series has placed Australia in a commanding position. With the momentum clearly favoring the Australians, the West Indies will need to regroup and strategize to mount a comeback in the remaining matches. The third match, with Australia choosing to bowl, set the stage for a highly competitive and potentially decisive encounter. The focus will now shift to how the West Indies adjust their approach, seeking to disrupt Australia’s rhythm and alter the course of the series. The outcome of the third match at Sabina Park would be crucial in determining the final outcome of the T20 series.