Andre Russell’s magnificent 51 followed by a brilliant bowling performance from Obed McCoy and Hayden Walsh helped West Indies beat Australia by 18 runs in the first T20 international at Darren Sammy National Stadium in St. Lucia on Friday.
After being asked to bat first by Australia skipper Aaron Finch, Windies lost Evin Lewis and Chris Gayle to Josh Hazlewood .
Mitchell Marsh then got into the act by dismissing Lendl Simmons caught behind by wicket keeper Matthew Wade.
Nicholas Pooran who led the team in the absence of regular skipper Kieron Pollard failed to create an impact as he was run out for 17, leaving the hosts in a spot of bother at 65-4.
Russell reached his maiden T-20I half-century in just 28 deliveries to take his team to a competitive score of 145/6 in their allotted 20 overs. His knock comprised off 3 fours and 5 sixes.
For Australia Josh Hazlewood was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 3/12, while Mitchell Marsh bagged 2 wickets.
Chasing 146, Australia lost skipper Aaron Finch caught at extra cover by Lewis off Fabien Allen early on in the chase. Matthew Wade who was promoted to open scored a breezy 33 off 14 balls before falling to Russell.
Josh Philippe and Moises Henriques failed to get going as the visitors were struggling at 89/4.
Hayden Walsh and Obed McCoy wrecked the Aussies middle and lower order as the visitors lost their last 5 wickets for 10 runs. They were eventually bowled out for for 127 in 16 overs.
McCoy was declared the Man of the Match for his figures of 4/26.