Tim David Smashed the fastest T20i century by an Australian, powering his team to a series-clinching six-wicket victory over West Indies in the third match of the five-game series on Friday.
Tim David and Mitchell Owen shared an unbroken 128-run partnership, steering Australia to 215/4 in just 16.1 overs and securing a dominant 3-0 series lead.
Taking full advantage of the short boundaries at Warner Park in St. Kitts, Tim David reached his maiden international century on the final ball of the match with his sixth four. His explosive 102* off just 37 balls, including 11 sixes, surpassed the previous fastest T20I hundred for Australia—Josh Inglis’ 43-ball effort against Scotland last year.
David’s century was also the third fastest in T20Is among ICC member nations, trailing only India’s Rohit Sharma and South Africa’s David Miller, who both scored centuries in just 35 balls in 2017.
“I didn’t think I’d ever get the chance to score a hundred for Australia, so I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity and absolutely stoked,” David said.
David’s explosive knock stole the spotlight from West Indies captain Shai Hope, whose superb unbeaten 102 off 57 balls—featuring eight fours and six sixes—had earlier powered his side to 214/4 in 20 overs.
Hope and opening partner Brandon King gave West Indies a blazing start, putting together a 125-run stand in just 11.4 overs after being sent in to bat first.
King played a lively knock of 62 from 36 balls before falling to Mitchell Owen, caught by Sean Abbott.
Tim David Blasts Australia to Victory After Hope’s Historic Ton
Hope brought up his well-earned century in the 19th over with a single off his 55th delivery, becoming only the second West Indies male cricketer after Chris Gayle to score centuries in all formats.
Brief contributions from Shimron Hetmyer (9), Rovman Powell (9), and Sherfane Rutherford (12) provided some support to Hope’s lone onslaught, helping West Indies push their total past the 200-run mark.
David blasts Australia out of trouble Australia’s chase got off to a shaky start, with Glenn Maxwell opening once again and captain Mitch Marsh run out for 20 while attempting a risky single.
Josh Inglis (15) was the next to fall, mistiming a shot into the stiff breeze and getting caught at deep square leg off Romario Shepherd (2-39), who had come into the side in place of the retired Andre Russell.
Marsh (22) was caught behind off Jason Holder two overs later, and when Cameron Green (11) edged to the keeper off Shepherd for his second wicket, Australia found themselves wobbling at 87-4.
Then came Tim David, unleashing his trademark power-hitting to dismantle the West Indies attack. He sent the ball soaring to all parts of the compact Warner Park—often beyond its boundaries—as he rapidly chased down the target.
Tim David raced to his half-century in just 16 balls—setting a new Australian T20I record—and continued his onslaught with only a slight slowdown, expertly luring the West Indies bowlers into his expansive hitting zone.
Tim Davidwas given a lifeline on 90 when Brandon King spilled a straightforward catch at deep mid-wicket off Shepherd, dashing any slim hopes the hosts had of a late comeback.
David and Owen Finish the Job as Australia Completes Caribbean Rout.
Tim David found strong support in fellow Tasmanian Mitchell Owen, who smashed an impressive 36 off 16 balls. Their explosive 128-run partnership off just 48 deliveries sealed a commanding win for Australia.
“I honestly don’t think we had enough runs on the board on a pitch like that. You need to understand the dimensions of the ground,” Hope admitted. “It’s very difficult to defend a score of 200 at St. Kitts on that surface.”
Australia had earlier clinched the series opener with a three-wicket win on Sunday, followed by a dominant eight-wicket victory in the second match on Wednesday, where Inglis and Green starred—spoiling Andre Russell’s farewell game for West Indies.
Australia’s winning streak in the Caribbean has now stretched to six matches, following their 3-0 clean sweep in the Test series.
The fourth match will be played at the same ground on Saturday.
