Australia drew first blood in their five-match T20 International series against the West Indies, securing a hard-fought three-wicket win in the opening game at Sabina Park on Sunday night.

A match-winning 80-run partnership between Cameron Green and debutant Mitch Owen proved decisive as the visitors chased down a target of 190 with seven balls to spare, finishing on 190 for 7.

After being sent in to bat, the West Indies raced to 159 for 3 after 15.3 overs thanks to explosive half-centuries from captain Shai Hope and Roston Chase.

Chase lit up the innings with a blazing 60 off just 32 balls, smashing 9 fours and 2 sixes. Hope followed suit with a classy 55 from 39 deliveries, including 4 boundaries and 3 maximums.

However their dismissals prompted a middle order collapse that saw the Windies losing five wickets while scoring 30 runs to make 189 for 8 from their 20 overs. Shimron Hetmyer contributed 38, while opener Brandon King chipped in with 18.

Australia’s bowling attack was led by pacer Ben Dwarshius, who had a dream debut with figures of 4 for 36. He was well supported by Sean Abbott, Cooper Connoley, Nathan Ellis, and Mitch Owen, each grabbing a wicket to limit the Windies’ scoring surge at key moments.

In reply, Australia stumbled early, losing 3 wickets with 64 runs on the board after 6.1 overs, but were steadied by a counterattacking stand between Green and Owen. Green hammered 51 off just 26 balls, while Owen impressed on debut with a fluent 50 from 27 deliveries, guiding the Aussies past the finish line at 190 for 7 in 18.5 overs.

Captain Mitchell Marsh added a useful 24 at the top of the innings, laying a foundation for the middle order to capitalise.

For the West Indies, left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie led the bowling with 2 for 29, while Jason Holder (2-32) and Alzarri Joseph (2-39) each claimed two wickets to keep the pressure on the visitors throughout the innings.

With Australia now leading 1–0, the teams will head into the second T20I with the West Indies looking to bounce back and level the series. The next match is set to take place later on Tuesday, promising more fireworks between two explosive sides.