Australia edge WI

Australia squeezed past West Indies in a three-wicket win in the first Twenty20 International of the two-match series.

After being put into bat, the West Indies posted a 145-9. Opener Kyle Mayers with his 39 runs off 36 deliveries held the innings together as wickets fell regularly at the other end. Late fireworks from Odean Smith, who scored 27 off 17, helped West Indies reach 145-9.

The pace attack of Pat Cummins (2), Josh Hazlewood (3), and Mitchell Starc (2) took seven wickets amongst themselves.

In reply, the Aussies lost three wickets inside the powerplay, finishing the first six at 56-3. Skipper Aron Finch, at number four, held the innings as he put on a 69-run stand with Matthew Wade.

Wade scored 39 off 29 balls as he hit the winning runs with one ball in hand. – TBP