David Warner celebrated his 100th T20I appearance by smashing a 36-ball 70 and spinner Adam Zampa picked up 3/26 as the West Indies failed to capitalise on their brisk start in the first T20I of the series on Friday.
The visitors needed to chase down their second highest T20 total and despite a good start from Brandon King (53) and Johnson Charles (42), Australia beat the Windies by 11 runs.
Zampa’s crucial blows restricted the chase to 202/8.
Warner, who gave Australia a strong finish along with Tim David (37 not out), said: “Just pleasing to get the win... I feel refreshed, a lot of energy, the guys have told me to calm down a bit.
“I’ve said I want to play the World Cup and finish there,” Warner, who has retired from Tests and ODIs, added.
The second game of the three-match series will be played on Sunday in Adelaide.
Brief scores: Aus 213/7 in 20 overs (D. Warner 70, T. David 37 n.o.; A. Russell 3/42) WI 202/8 in 20 overs (B. King 53, J. Charles 42; A. Zampa 3/26). Australia won by 11 runs.
Neser in Test squad
All-rounder Michael Neser has been recalled to the Australia squad for two Tests in New Zealand in the only notable change to the group from the home series against Pakistan and the West Indies.
The world Test champions’ Test series against the Black Caps will begin on February 29 in Wellington with the second scheduled for March 8 in Christchurch.
Neser, 33, joins Scott Boland as the reserve pace-bowling option for Australia — he played the last of his two tests in December 2022.
“It’s great to see Michael Neser get another opportunity in the squad following
his ever-consistent performances over a long period of time,” chief selector George Bailey said.
