The stage is set for a high-stakes showdown between West Indies and Australia in the third T20I of the five-match series on Saturday, July 26, at Warner Park in Basseterre, St. Kitts. With Australia leading the series 2-0, the hosts find themselves in a must-win situation to keep their hopes alive. Meanwhile, the visitors are one step away from clinching the series and will be keen to maintain their winning momentum.
Match Details
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Match: West Indies vs Australia, 3rd T20I
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Date: Saturday, July 26, 2025
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Time: 4:30 AM (IST)
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Venue: Warner Park, Basseterre, St. Kitts
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Live Streaming: FanCode (App and Website)
Team Overviews
West Indies:
The Caribbean side is under pressure after losing the first two games. The absence of veteran all-rounder Andre Russell, who recently retired from international cricket, has left a significant gap in both the middle order and bowling attack. Skipper Shai Hope now carries the responsibility to lead from the front, both as a batsman and a wicketkeeper. West Indies might be tempted to shuffle their XI to find the right combination, especially considering the do-or-die nature of this contest.
Australia:
Australia, led by Mitchell Marsh, have looked in control throughout the series. Their batting has been the highlight, especially with Josh Inglis making the most of the powerplay overs. While their bowlers have done a decent job, Australia would look to fine-tune their bowling unit to avoid leaking runs during crucial stages of the innings. With a chance to wrap up the series early, Marsh and Co. will be eager to keep the foot on the gas.
Pitch Report
Warner Park offers a flat and batting-friendly pitch. While pacers might get a little help early on, the surface typically settles down, making it easier for batters to dominate. Spinners may not find much assistance, and the short boundaries could make their job even tougher. The team winning the toss is likely to opt for bowling first, given the favorable chasing conditions at this venue.
Head-to-Head Record
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Total Matches Played: 24
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West Indies Wins: 11
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Australia Wins: 13
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No Result: 0
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First Meeting: June 20, 2008
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Most Recent Meeting: July 23, 2025
It’s a closely contested rivalry, with Australia just edging ahead with a 13-11 win-loss record. However, West Indies have historically performed well at home, and they’ll be banking on that record to turn things around.
Probable Playing XIs
West Indies (Captain: Shai Hope)
Brandon King, Shai Hope (c & wk), Roston Chase, Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Romario Shepherd, Sherfane Rutherford, Jason Holder, Gudakesh Motie, Alzarri Joseph, Akeal Hosein
Australia (Captain: Mitchell Marsh)
Mitchell Marsh (c), Josh Inglis (wk), Cameron Green, Glenn Maxwell, Tim David, Mitchell Owen, Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Matthew Kuhnemann
Key Players to Watch
Josh Inglis (Australia):
With 96 runs in two innings at a staggering strike rate of 234.15, Inglis has been Australia’s powerplay destroyer. His ability to find gaps and shift gears after the field restrictions make him a serious threat.
Gudakesh Motie (West Indies):
In a series dominated by batters, left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie might be West Indies’ X-factor. He has the control and variation to stem the flow of runs in the middle overs and take vital wickets.
Match Scenarios and Predictions
Scenario 1:
West Indies win the toss and bowl first
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Powerplay Score (AUS): 45-55
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Predicted Total (AUS): 165-175
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Prediction: West Indies chase down the target and win the match.
Scenario 2:
Australia win the toss and bowl first
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Powerplay Score (WI): 40-50
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Predicted Total (WI): 150-160
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Prediction: Australia successfully chase and seal the series 3-0.
Final Prediction:
Given Warner Park’s batting-friendly nature and the trend in the series so far, the team chasing is likely to win. If West Indies can get their combination right and hold their nerve in key moments, they can pull one back. But if Australia bat second, they’ll be favorites to wrap up the series.