Published on: Jul 20, 2025 9:00 am IST|Updated on: Jul 30, 2025 3:59 pm IST
After a dismal performance in the Test series, a depleted West Indies is all set to host Australia in a 5-match T20I series, with the first game set to be played at the Sabina Park in Kingston, Jamaica. It was demoralizing stuff for West Indies in the longest format of the game, as they were drubbed 3-0 in the Test series. With T20s being a format where they thrive the most, expect West Indies to put up a better show in the shortest format of the game.
Talking about the 1st T20I at Sabina Park in Kingston, Jamaica, Australia will enter as the favorites given their current form. Not only their current, but their recent T20 form has also been pretty good. They have won 3 out of their last 5 T20Is, whereas the hosts, West Indies, have managed only a solitary win from their last 5 appearances.
Both teams look strong on paper, especially in batting with some power hitters bracing in the middle order for both Australia and West Indies. However, in the bowling unit, Australia have a slight edge with their in-form bowlers. Bowlers are always an asset in a team, and out of the two, Australia’s bowling looks more formidable and ready to wreak havoc over the West Indian batters. T20s are always exciting, and the two teams won’t leave any stone unturned in making the 1st T20I a mouthwatering one.
Let’s delve deeper into this post for the WI vs AUS Dream11 prediction.
Date: 21st July 2025 Time: 05:30 AM IST Venue: Sabina Park, Kingston, Jamaica
Matches Played: 22 AUS won: 11 WI won: 11 No Result: 0
There’s been little to choose between the two teams over the years. Out of 22 encounters, both sides have claimed victory 11 times each, making it a perfectly balanced rivalry. That said, Australia has had the upper hand recently, winning 4 of the last 5 clashes.
Sabina Park promises an intriguing contest for the opening T20I. Traditionally known for its pace-friendly surface, the pitch here is expected to offer a balanced battle between bat and ball. Early on, fast bowlers could find some assistance with seam and bounce, especially under the lights when conditions tend to cool down and the breeze picks up. However, as the match progresses, the surface should settle, allowing batters to play through the line and target the shorter boundaries. Spinners might not get much turn, but they could come into play if the pitch dries out further. With recent T20 scores at this venue ranging between 160 and 200, a competitive total would likely hover around the 180-mark.
Here are some key T20I match stats of Sabina Park, Kingston, Jamaica:
WI vs AUS Team News and Expected Playing XI
WI Expected Playing XI: Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Shai Hope (C/WK), Sherfane Rutherford, Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Andre Russell, Romario Shepherd, Jason Holder, Alzarri Joseph, Akeal Hosein
AUS Expected Playing XI: Mitchell Marsh (C), Matthew Short, Mitchell Owen, Josh Inglis (WK), Glenn Maxwell, Tim David, Cameron Green/Aaron Hardie, Nathan Ellis, Xavier Bartlett, Adam Zampa, Sean Abbott
As per the betting odds provided by most of the bettors, the visitors, Australia, are tipped as the favorites to win this match and go 1-0 up in the 5-match series.
The all-important clash between West Indies and Australia will be played on Monday, July 21, at 5:00 AM (IST). Online live streaming will take place on the FanCode app. There is no TV streaming available for this series in India.
Wicket-keepers: Shai Hope, Josh Inglis Batters: Mitchell Marsh, Shimron Hetmyer, Sherfane Rutherford, Mitchell Owen All-Rounders: Andre Russell, Matthew Short, Romario Shepherd Bowlers: Akeal Hosein, Nathan Ellis
C/VC Options- Shimron Hetmyer, Mitchell Owen, Matthew Short, Nathan Ellis