Picture Credit: CWI
Although the West Indies seem to be struggling in the longer formats of the game, especially the Tests, there is little doubt that they could be a force to reckon with in the T20Is. Living up to that reputation, West Indies defeated Australia 4-1 in the five-match series and even though all the matches were tightly contested, it was the Caribbean side who had the last laugh.
Even in the final T20I, chasing 200 in St Lucia, the Aussies began with a bang and all the players got a start. However, none of them could play a decisive game-changing innings. Captain Aaron Finch (34) was the highest run-getter in the chase and his wicket could be well be touted as the big turning point of the match. At one stage, the Kangaroos were 93/2 after nine overs and were cruising their way to the total but Finch got dismissed in the next over which gave the home team the control of the match.
Although it was Hayden Walsh who claimed the wicket of Finch, Fabian Allen took an outstanding catch and should also receive the due credit for his efforts.
Superb fielding effort from Allen
In the second ball of the tenth over, Walsh bowled a full toss and sensing an opportunity to go for the big shot, Finch went after it but couldn't get the desired elevation. However, the ball seemed to be falling in the no man's land as there was no one stationed at long-on. But Allen came running in and took a superb one-handed catch to see the back of Finch. The left-arm spinner dived to get his outstretched hand underneath the ball.
Watch the effort here:
Walsh bowled a juicy full toss in the second ball of the over, and Finch’s eyes were lightened up. He went for a big shot down the ground but didn’t get the required elevation. Finch still seemed safe as no field was placed in the long-on region. However, Allen came sprinting in and took a ridiculous one-handed catch. The left-arm spinner made a full-length dive and collected the ball in his left hand.
The Windies players were overjoyed and soon after they tightened their screws on the match, eventually winning by 16 runs.