On a night to remember at Sabina Park, 23-year-old Mitchell Owen delivered a stunning all-round performance on T20I debut, powering Australia to a thrilling three-wicket win over West Indies in the first of the five-match series.
Australia chased down West Indies’ 189/8 with seven wickets down and seven balls to spare, thanks to a 27-ball 50 from Owen and a calm, composed 51 from Cameron Green. The pair added a game-defining 80 off just 40 balls, turning the tide after the visitors were struggling at 78/4.
I honestly tried not to look at the field too much and just sort of react to each ball. We had to strike at 10s or nines when I came out, so I still had to be nice and positive... just try and get after them from ball one.
The right-hander, known more for opening in the Big Bash League, embraced his unfamiliar No.6 role with flair, taking on West Indies' spin attack with particular intent. He smashed three sixes in four balls off Akeal Hosein, followed by clean hits off Andre Russell and Alzarri Joseph, setting the tempo of Australia’s chase.
Earlier, Owen made a vital breakthrough with the ball, claiming the wicket of Shai Hope (55) in his only over. While the over began with a six from Shimron Hetmyer (38), it turned pivotal as Owen dismissed Hope to spark a collapse — West Indies lost six wickets for just 30 runs.
I thought I was on 36 off the over there when he smacked me for six first ball. But I was lucky Shai hit one up the shoot and got my first wicket. I was pretty nervous running in those first six balls, but nice to get it out of the way.
Despite a blistering 60 off 32 balls from Roston Chase — who hit nine fours and two sixes — the West Indies lost momentum once Hope and Hetmyer departed. Ben Dwarshuis capitalised on the collapse, finishing with figures of 4-36.
Cameron Green, whose half-century anchored Australia’s innings, praised the partnership with Owen. "He kept things calm. It was nice to bat with someone with that positive intent — we just stuck to our plans."
Owen’s special night was made even more memorable by the presence of his parents and partner in the stands — and a cap presentation from close friend and Hurricanes teammate Nathan Ellis.
"It was really special," said Owen. "He had some really nice words for me. I’m super grateful my parents got to be here — they’ve sacrificed a lot over the years. This is just one more special moment to share with them."
Brief scores: West Indies 189/8 in 20 overs (Roston Chase 60, Shai Hope 55, Shimron Hetmyer 38; Ben Dwarshuis 4-36) Australia 190/7 in 18.5 overs (Cameron Green 51, Mitchell Owen 50, Mitchell Marsh 24; Gudakesh Motie 2-29, Jason Holder 2-32, Alzarri Joseph 2-39) Result: Australia won by 3 wickets
