Australia began their five-match T20 International series against the West Indies with a close three-wicket win, driven by a memorable debut performance from Mitchell Owen. In his first international appearance, Owen smashed 50 runs off just 27 balls, including six towering sixes.
His innings had a strike rate of 185.18 and was essential in helping Australia chase down the target and take a 1-0 lead in the series. His fearless batting earned him the Player of the Match award.
Owen’s fifty on debut places him in an exclusive group of Australian cricketers. He became only the fourth Australian and the third in men’s T20I cricket to reach a half-century on debut. The last Australian to achieve this was David Warner in 2009, when he hit 89 off 43 balls against South Africa. Before Warner, Ricky Ponting reached this milestone in 2005, as did Karen Rolton in the women’s T20I the same year.
Owen also contributed with the ball, bowling a crucial over in which he bowled Shai Hope, a key batsman for the West Indies, conceding only 14 runs.
