Tim David’s blitzkrieg century powers Australia to series-clinching win against Windies

BASSETERRE: Tim David scored the fastest century for Australia in a Twenty20 international, which lifted the tourists to a series-clinching six-wicket win over West Indies in the third game of a five-match series on Friday.

David and Mitchell Owen’s unbroken 128-run stand guided Australia to 215-4 off 16.1 overs to seal the victory and an unassailable 3-0 series lead.

Making the most of the small dimensions at Warner Park in St. Kitts, David brought up his first international century from the final ball of the match with his sixth boundary. His blistering hundred came from just 37 balls, including 11 sixes, and bettered the mark of 43-balls set by current team-mate Josh Inglis against Scotland last year.

It was also the third fastest century among ICC member nations, with only India’s Rohit Sharma and South Africa’s David Miller bettering the mark with 35 balls, both in 2017.

“I didn’t think I would have the opportunity to score 100 for Australia, so I’m so grateful for that opportunity and pretty stoked,” David said. “I was just having a great time out in the middle, playing for the Australian team and every opportunity we get to play out here, we want to make the most of it.”

David’s fireworks overshadowed a brilliant unbeaten century by West Indies captain Shai Hope (102 off 57 balls) which featured eight boundaries and six sixes to lead West Indies to 214-4 off its 20 overs.

Hope combined with opening partner Brandon King to put on 125 runs in 11.4 overs as the hosts made a rapid-fire start after losing the toss and being asked to bat first at Warner Park.

King made a spritely 62 off 36 balls before holing out to Sean Abbott off Mitchell Owen.

The skipper raised his deserved ton in the 19th over with a single off his 55th ball to join Chris Gayle as the only West Indies male player with centuries in all formats.

Brief cameos from Shimron Hetmyer (9), Rovman Powell (9) and Sherfane Rutherford (12) supported Hope’s solo assault on Australia’s bowlers and lifted the hosts past 200. Agencies

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