Australia lost their unblemished Caribbean tour record as the West Indies completed a seven-wicket victory in a rain-affected Twenty20 International on Friday. Defending a victory target of 98 from 11 overs, Australia failed to keep a lid on the West Indies, and the home team won with 11 balls to spare, when Dwayne Bravo scooped a short, rising ball from Shane Watson over mid-wicket for six.
Australia's bowlers were under the cosh from the outset with Xavier Marshall smashing three fours and three sixes in 36 from 15 balls to get his side off to a flourishing start. Australia's new-ball pair of Brett Lee and Mitchell Johnson were battered into submission, when Marshall put on 53 from 21 balls with international newcomer William Perkins for the opening stand.
The Australians then grabbed three wickets in the space of 13 balls to leave West Indies 64 for three. But Bravo struck 28 from 15 balls to lead West Indies to their target. Play started almost two and a half hours late because of rain throughout the day in the island and the match was reduced to 11 overs-a-side. The two sides now face each other in a five-match One-day International series, starting on Tuesday at Arnos Vale Sports Complex in St. Vincent.