The West Indies flexed their muscle in a dominant 56 run win to take a 2-0 series lead. With three games played in four days, the Aussies have their backs against the wall. Can Australia keep the series alive? Or will the West Indies take an unassailable 3-0 lead? We’ve got you covered with the preview and tips for the 3rd T20!
West Indies vs Australia 3rd T20 Preview & Betting Tips
Darren Sammy Stadium, Tuesday July 13th, 9:30am AEST
Match Prediction
It was back to back horror shows on consecutive nights for Australia, as the West Indies took game two in convincing fashion. The Australians inability to close with both bat and ball has been the major factor so far in the series. In game two Australia conceded 137 runs off the last twelve overs after having the Windies 3/59, then with the bat the Australians lost 7/39.
Although the heat has been placed on the batting collapses, Australia’s output with the ball has been incredibly poor for a bowling attack that has been outstanding over the past two years. Mitchell Starc has combined figures of 0/89 from eight overs so far this series, while Australia’s spin duo of Ashton Agar and Adam Zampa have been taken apart. Agar (3rd) and Zampa (8th), came into the series ranked in the top ten on the ICC T20I rankings, but have produced 1/66 from 7 overs and 0/59 from 7 overs respectively.
Although the West Indies batting line up can be hit and miss at times, their middle order has gotten to work so far this series. Shimron Hetmyer (20 & 51), Andre Russell (51 & 24*) have been outstanding in the latter overs of both matches as Australia continues to struggle with death bowling. The West Indies scored 85 from the last 8 overs in game one and 108 off the last 8 overs in game two. The Windies ability to score over ten runs an over in the back end of the innings despite their top order struggles, would have Justin Langer’s men incredibly concerned.
Another big success for the West Indies has been Hayden Walsh. Since Sunil Narine went out of the side in 2019 due to a suspect action, the West Indies have struggled without an elite front line spinner. Walsh has returned figures of 3/23 and 3/29 with his control allowing Nicholas Pooran to be more aggressive with the use of his pace bowlers.
With Chris Gayle and Nicholas Pooran yet to get going, the West Indies have scope to improve on what has been an excellent start to the series already. Australia’s inability to execute at the death in T20 cricket has haunted them for a long time, and against arguably the most powerful batting line up in the world, they continue to get exposed. Couple that with the struggles of Zampa and Agar, it’s hard to see Australia finding a way back into the series. The Aussies have lost five of their last seven T20 Internationals, and the West Indies are well positioned to wrap up the series with two games to play.
West Indies Prop
Andre Russell has been at his explosive best in the opening two games of the series, scoring 75 runs at a strike rate of 208. ‘Dre Russ’ was a huge success in the Big Bash, and has dominated Australia on the international stage, averaging 98 in T20I against Australia. Russell has capitalised on Australia’s struggles with the ball in the back end of the innings in both games, and when he’s full of confidence he’s a scary sight for the Australian bowlers. The West Indies top order has struggled so far throughout this series, and Russell only needs a few overs to tear a game apart. At $10, Russell is excellent value to be the West Indies top run scorer.
Russel Top WI Runscorer
$10
Australia Prop
In a bleak couple of days for Australia, Mitch Marsh’s form has been a shining light. Marsh was promoted to number three and has produced knocks of 51 off 31 and 54 off 42. Marsh has performed well in T20 cricket over the past two years with excellent performances in BBL09 and BBL10, with a big improvement in the balance of his batting. Marsh has always had a prominent power game, but his ability to rotate the strike early in his innings taking his game to another level. Marsh has scored 39 percent of Australia’s runs so far this series, and with the red hot form he’s in, he’s well positioned to be Australia’s top scorer for a third game in a row.
Marsh Top AUS Runscorer
$3.75
