Table of Contents
Australia’s Mitchell Owen announced his arrival on the international stage in spectacular fashion, hammering six towering sixes during a blistering half-century on T20I debut to propel his side to a thrilling three-wicket victory over the West Indies in the opening match of the five-game series at Sabina Park, Kingston.
Mitchell Owen creates buzz with 6 sixes on T20I debut
Walking to the crease with Australia in a precarious position at 78 for 4 in the ninth over, Owen immediately took charge in the daunting chase of 190. The 23-year-old right-hander, typically an opening batter in franchise cricket, showed no nerves batting at No. 6, smashing 50 off just 27 deliveries without hitting a single four—all his runs coming via six huge hits over the boundary.
Owen’s array of sixes punished both pace and spin, as he launched left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein and all-rounder Andre Russell over the ropes multiple times. His remarkable power-hitting matched the challenging run-rate required, transforming the game in Australia’s favour at a critical juncture.
Here’s the video:
𝙈𝙞𝙩𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙡 𝙊𝙬𝙚𝙣’𝙨 𝘿𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙢 𝘿𝙚𝙗𝙪𝙩 💫
Thrown into the fire on debut, Mitchell Owen delivered a composed 50 (27) to steer Australia through a tricky chase 🤌
— FanCode (@FanCode)
Owen shared a pivotal 80-run stand in just 40 balls with Cameron Green, who hammered 51 from 26 balls, resuscitating Australia’]/s chase after a shaky start. Together, the pair’s aggressive strokeplay ensured that Australia kept pace with the steep required rate until victory was within reach.
Also READ: Australian players with a half-century on T20I debut ft. Mitchell Owen
Owen picks the prized scalp of Shai Hope
Owen’s contribution wasn’t limited to batting. Earlier, he took the key wicket of West Indies captain Shai Hope, who had anchored the hosts’ innings with 55 off 39. Bowling his medium pace, Owen dismissed Hope in his first over, which ignited a late collapse in the West Indies innings and restricted them to 189/8 in their 20 overs.
Earlier in the day, Owen received his debut cap from Hobart Hurricanes’ teammate Nathan Ellis, with his family watching from the stands, amplifying the occasion’s emotional significance.
After receiving the Player of the Match award on his international debut, Owen described the experience as “really special” and credited his positive intent and familiarity with pressure situations from T20 franchise cricket for his composure.
