Australia got the chocolates in Game 1 of this two-match series, winning a low scoring and mistake riddled affair at Metricon Stadium.
We head north for Game 2 at the Gabba, where neutrals hope that a similarly competitive contest will take place.
Josh Nevett takes a close look at the contest with his free preview and cricket betting tips below.
Australia vs West Indies T20 Game 2 Preview & Betting Tips
The Gabba, Brisbane, Friday October 7th, 7:10pm (AEDT)
Squads
Australia: Aaron Finch (c), Sean Abbott, Pat Cummins, Tim David, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Josh Inglis, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Daniel Sams, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa
West Indies: Nicholas Pooran (c), Rovman Powell, Shamarh Brooks, Yannic Cariah, Johnson Charles, Sheldon Cottrell, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Kyle Mayers, Obed Mccoy, Raymon Reifer, Odean Smith
Match Preview
As expected, Australia got over the line on Wednesday night, but it hardly came easy.
Despite setting a modest total of 9-145, the West Indies battled right to the end, taking the game into the final over thanks to some tight bowling and poor shot selection by the hosts.
The saying goes that catches win matches and ultimately fielding decided the result, with two chances going down in the final over as Australia surpassed the target with one ball to spare.
There were standout performances on both sides. Kyle Mayers got the visitors off to a strong start with the bat, scoring 39 (36) with the trademark flair and free-flowing stroke making that his countrymen are known for. Frontline quick Alzarri Joseph led the way with the ball taking 2-17 (4), while debutant Yannic Cariah completed his four overs with an outstanding economy rate of just 3.75.
For the home side, Josh Hazlewood (3-35) and Pat Cummins (2-22) did the most damage, while Aaron Finch anchored the run chase with 58 off 53 balls under pressure.
Matthew Wade also cemented himself as Australia’s designated ‘finisher’, hitting 39* (29) to follow up his excellent outings against India.
Looking ahead to Friday’s game, the Aussies will be forced into a change as Mitch Marsh, who played as a batter only in Game 1, will miss Friday's second T20 and has flown to Perth.
As such, I expect to see Steve Smith back in the team, after he was a surprise omission on Wednesday.
It’s unclear whether the travelling team will make any changes, although I do expect some as they look to amend their record against Australia which includes just one win since 1997.
The history is indeed damning, and I doubt that Australia’s batting group will fail twice in a row.
For that reason, I’m predicting the Aussies to wrap up the series 2-0 on Friday night.
Match Result: Australia to Win
$1.25
Prop Bets
King managed 12 runs on Wednesday night before he fell LBW to Josh Hazlewood. While he made a couple of large scores in the CPL (including a century), in between there were plenty of misses so on the balance of probabilities, I think the unders is a solid play here.
Brandon King Under 17.5 Runs $1.83 (Ladbrokes)
Joseph was the best of the West Indies bowling attack on Wednesday and should thrive again on a Gabba surface which traditionally rewards quality fast bowling. He clearly has the most control of the Windies quicks, so the odds are in his favour here.
West Indies Top Wicket Taker – Alzarri Joseph $3.75 (Ladbrokes)
