1. Introduction: Dominant Australia Sweep West Indies
Australia completed a historic 5-0 T20I series whitewash over West Indies with a convincing win in the 5th T20I at Basseterre on July 28, 2025. Chasing a challenging target of 171, the visitors overcame an early collapse to secure a seven-wicket victory with three overs to spare.
This win marked Australia's eighth consecutive victory on the tour, having already clean-swept the three-Test series. It was a tour to remember for the Aussies, who showcased depth, resilience, and world-class performances across formats.
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| Australia sealed a 5-0 T20I series whitewash over West Indies |
2. West Indies’ Innings: Hetmyer Shines Amid Regular Wickets
Put in to bat first, West Indies managed 170 runs in their 20 overs. Their innings never really gained the desired momentum as Australia’s bowlers struck at crucial intervals.
Shimron Hetmyer’s Fighting 52
The highlight of the innings was Shimron Hetmyer’s 52 off 31 balls, an innings full of aggressive intent and well-timed boundaries.
Hetmyer, however, found little support from the other end as wickets fell regularly.
Early Wickets Cripple the Hosts
Australia’s new-ball bowlers were on point from the start. West Indies lost wickets in quick succession:
1-14 (Shai Hope) – Dismissed cheaply while trying to accelerate.
2-22 (Brandon King) – Australia’s disciplined line accounted for another top-order batter.
3-32 (Keacy Carty) – The middle order collapsed further.
4-64 (Sherfane Rutherford) – Just as the partnership looked promising, another wicket fell.
5-111 (Jason Holder) – Ben Dwarshuis struck again at the perfect time.
Late Push to Reach 170
Despite Hetmyer’s brilliance, the lack of partnerships meant West Indies could not post a bigger total. Lower-order cameos helped them reach 170, a total they hoped would challenge Australia on a tricky surface.
3. Ben Dwarshuis: The Standout Bowler
One of the biggest talking points from West Indies’ innings was Ben Dwarshuis’ impact with the ball.
He finished with 3 wickets for 41 runs, picking wickets at key stages to prevent West Indies from building momentum.
His scalps of Holder, Carty, and Rutherford were instrumental in restricting the hosts to a chaseable total.
Dwarshuis was ably supported by Australia’s spin duo and other pacers, who ensured that every attempt by West Indies to push ahead was neutralized.
4. Australia’s Chase: From Early Collapse to Commanding Finish
Chasing 171, Australia’s top order faltered under pressure. West Indies bowlers started aggressively, putting Australia on the back foot.
Early Struggles at 25-3
Australia’s chase got off to a poor start:
They were reduced to 25-3 as West Indies’ pace attack found swing and bounce.
Another blow at 60-4 made the chase even more challenging.
The early wickets meant Australia had to rebuild, and it was here that their depth and experience shone through.
5. The Match-Turning Partnership
Just as West Indies seemed to be in control, Australia’s 5th wicket partnership turned the tide.
The duo added 50 runs in just 24 balls, a blistering effort that completely shifted the momentum.
Their aggressive strokeplay deflated the West Indies bowlers and pushed Australia ahead of the required run rate.
Once this partnership was established, the remaining chase became a formality for the Australians.
6. Finishing in Style
Australia’s lower middle order ensured there were no further hiccups. They reached 173 for 7 with three overs remaining, sealing yet another comprehensive victory.
The manner of their win — recovering from early setbacks and dominating the latter half — summed up the confidence and form Australia carried throughout the tour.
7. Series Whitewash: 8 Wins in a Row
This win meant Australia completed an extraordinary run on the Caribbean tour:
3-0 Test series victory earlier in the month.
5-0 T20I whitewash — their first ever against West Indies in the shortest format.
Such a streak underlines Australia’s depth in both batting and bowling. Players like Dwarshuis stepped up, while others consistently contributed to the team’s success.
8. Reactions from the Captains
Australia Captain’s Comments
Speaking after the match, the Australian captain praised the team’s resilience:
“We were under pressure early on, but the partnership in the middle overs showed the character of this group. Winning 8 games straight on a tough tour like this is special.”
West Indies Captain’s Thoughts
The West Indies skipper admitted disappointment:
“We had them on the ropes at 25-3 and 60-4, but couldn’t finish the job. Credit to Australia for the way they fought back.”
9. Key Takeaways from the Match
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Shimron Hetmyer’s return to form was a big positive for West Indies despite the loss.
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Ben Dwarshuis’ bowling was match-defining; his knack for breaking partnerships hurt the hosts.
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Australia’s depth in batting ensured they could recover from precarious positions.
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West Indies need to reassess their middle-over strategies with both bat and ball.
10. Humanitarian Impact and Historical Context
This series will be remembered as a statement of Australia’s strength in all conditions. The clean sweep mirrors Australia’s dominance of past eras, while West Indies face a period of introspection as they look to rebuild their T20 side.
11. FAQs
1. What was the final score of the 5th T20I?
West Indies scored 170/8 in 20 overs, and Australia chased it down with 173/7 in 17 overs.
2. Who top-scored for West Indies?
Shimron Hetmyer top-scored with a brilliant 52 off 31 balls.
3. Who was the best bowler for Australia?
Ben Dwarshuis was the standout, taking 3 wickets for 41 runs.
4. How many matches did Australia win on this tour?
Australia won all 8 matches: 3 Tests and 5 T20Is.
5. What was the turning point in the match?
A crucial 50-run partnership for the 5th wicket off just 24 balls turned the game in Australia’s favor.
12. Conclusion: A Tour of Complete Dominance
Australia’s win in Basseterre was the perfect ending to a dominant Caribbean tour. Recovering from early trouble to comfortably chase down 171 highlighted the team’s composure and adaptability.
For West Indies, the 5-0 defeat will sting. They showed flashes of brilliance but failed to capitalize on key moments. Australia, meanwhile, will take immense confidence as they look ahead to their upcoming assignments.
This 5-0 whitewash, coupled with the earlier 3-0 Test series victory, reaffirms Australia’s place among the most formidable teams in world cricket.
