Tim David’s amazing innings got the show in one of the most thrilling T20 matches of late. Australia beat the West Indies in St. Kitts to win the series. David’s explosive batting not only helped Australia chase down a tough total of 215 runs, but it also made him the fastest player in Australia to score a T20 century. We talk about his record-breaking knock, the key events in the match, and how it helped Australia take a 3-0 lead in the series in this blog.
Tim David’s record-breaking century
Tim David’s play in the third T20I against the West Indies was nothing short of amazing. In just 37 balls, the Australian middle-order powerhouse scored the fastest T20I century ever for Australia, striking 11 sixes and six boundaries. His blitzkrieg innings was the turning point in Australia’s impressive win, which came with 23 balls to spare.
- Fastest Century: David scored his century in 37 balls, which was six balls more quickly than Josh Inglis’ old record. He became Australia’s fastest T20I century because of his amazing accomplishment.
- David hit 11 sixes in his innings, showing how easily he could clear the boundary.
- Record for Fastest Fifty: Earlier in the match, David had already set a record for the fastest T20I fifty by an Australian, achieving it in just 16 balls, surpassing the previous mark held by Marcus Stoinis and Travis Head.
The Turning Point
Australia was in a tough spot, down 4/92 after nine overs in the chase. Tim David changed the course of the game with a flurry of boundaries, including an unbelievable 71 runs in just three overs between the 10th and 12th overs. His quick-fire hitting made up for the issues that Australia’s top order had earlier and put them back on track to win.
- Key Partnership with Mitch Owen: David and Mitch Owen (36* off 16) put together an unbroken 128-run partnership that was very important in getting Australia to the finish line.
- A Game-Changing Knock: David’s knock was a “momentum-changing knock,” as Brad Haddin put it, as he turned the game around all by himself.
Shai Hope’s Great Effort for the West Indies
Everyone had been talking about Tim David’s heroics, but Shai Hope had an outstanding performance for the West Indies, scoring his first T20I century. Hope’s 102 runs off 57 balls were amazing, and they helped the West Indies get to a competitive total of 214/4. His work, along with Brandon King’s 62 and their 125-run opening partnership, demonstrated that the West Indies were ready to fight back.
- Historic Century: Hope’s century made him the second West Indian after Chris Gayle to score a century in all formats of the game, making him a T20I legend.
- Competitive Total: While Hope played well, the West Indies’ total wasn’t enough to stop Australia’s aggressive chase.
Australia’s Top Order Struggles
The top order was under a lot of pressure during the first few overs of Australia’s chase.
- Maxwell’s Run-Out: Glenn Maxwell, who opened for the second game in a row, was run out for 20 after Mitch Marsh called him over quickly after hitting the ball straight to cover.
- Inglis and Marsh: Josh Inglis (15 off 4) and Mitch Marsh (22 off 19) were out early, putting Australia in a bad spot at 87-4 after nine overs.
But Tim David’s explosive batting changed all things, and soon the match was Australia’s to lose.
What David did
- Tim David’s unbeaten knock of 102 was the match-winning performance, and he was the best player at the crease.
- Fans on social media compared David’s hitting to that of Chris Gayle, saying that his ability to clear the ropes was like the West Indian legend’s power-hitting days.
- “David treating the West Indian bowlers like nan on Christmas Day,” one fan wrote.
- Another fan said, “What a vicious assault by Tim David.” He has taken the game away from the West Indies all by himself.
David’s Thoughts on the Knock
After the game, Tim David said he felt thrilled and grateful for the opportunity to score his first century for Australia.
- David said, “I had a great time playing for the Australian team in the middle. We want to make the most of every chance we get to play out here.”
- Strengths in Backing: David said he was at his best when he was attacking, which is what he did in this match.
Series Implications
Australia won the series with this win, taking a 3-0 lead in the five-match series that can’t be beaten.
- West Indies’ Fight for a Consolation Win: Even though Australia has prevailed, the West Indies will try to win at least one of their last two games for their fans.
- Australia’s Confidence: The last two matches don’t mean a lot to Australia now that the series is over, but they will try to keep their momentum going.
Conclusion
Tim David’s explosive knock in the third T20I will go down as one of the best innings in T20 international cricket history. His 37-ball century and 11 sixes turned a bad situation for Australia into a big win. His partnership with Mitch Owen was crucial to Australia’s win. Shai Hope’s century for the West Indies was a brave effort, but it wasn’t enough to stop Australia’s strong chase. Now that Australia has won the series, they will focus on assaulting the West Indies in every game.
