Tim David marked his return from injury with a historic performance for Australia in a high-scoring T20I against West Indies in St. Kitts. Chasing 215, he scored a century in 37 balls—the fastest by any Australian in T20I history.
The Blistering Innings
Tim David walked in after Australia lost their third wicket at the end of the Powerplay and struck a boundary off his first ball, signalling immediate intent. Despite assistance from the pitch, West Indies’ spin trio—Motie, Hosein, and Chase—conceded heavily as David hit nine sixes within three overs. David reached his half-century in 16 balls, surpassing the previous Australian T20I record of 17 balls. He went on to score his first T20I hundred in 37 balls, breaking Josh Inglis’ national record of 43 deliveries.
Tim David and Mitchell Owen forged a decisive 128-run unbeaten partnership for the fifth wicket during Australia’s run chase against West Indies, setting a new benchmark for the highest such stand in a T20I chase by any team. David dominated the scoring while Owen provided effective support, contributing a rapid 36 off 16 balls. Their collaboration shifted the match’s momentum and ensured Australia reached the target with control and clarity.
Tim David returned to competitive cricket after missing matches due to a hamstring injury sustained on May 23, which kept him out of the IPL playoffs with RCB. In his comeback match, he scored a century while batting at No. 5, becoming the first Australian to reach a T20I hundred from that position.
Key Statistics from Tim David’s Innings
16-ball Fifty – Fastest half-century in T20Is by an Australian, beating the previous 17-ball record held jointly by Marcus Stoinis and Travis Head.
37-ball Century – Fastest T20I hundred for Australia, surpassing Josh Inglis’ 43-ball record.
11 Sixes – Second-highest count of sixes in a T20I innings for Australia, behind Aaron Finch’s 14 against England in 2013.
Australia’s Record-Breaking Chase
Australia chased down the 215-run target in 16.1 overs, recording the fourth-fastest successful 200-plus chase in men’s T20Is. During overs 7 to 16, the team added 146 runs, with Tim David contributing 94 of those. This victory gave Australia a 3–0 lead in the series, marking their first T20I series win in the Caribbean.
A Game of Milestones
Australia successfully chased 200+ targets in T20Is for the sixth time, leading all international teams. India and South Africa follow with five each. Meanwhile, West Indies have now failed to defend a 200+ total on six occasions—more than any other side in T20Is.
Shai Hope scored 102* off 59 balls, becoming the first wicketkeeper-captain to record a century in T20Is. He also joined Chris Gayle as one of two West Indies players with centuries in all three formats.
Tim David hit ten sixes in his first 26 balls, placing him among just four players globally to achieve this in T20 cricket. His 94 runs in the middle overs rank third-highest in men’s T20Is, while Australia’s 146-run total in that phase is the sixth-highest by any team.
David’s performance highlights the increasing impact of middle-order batters in T20s, with No. 5 now playing a pivotal role in high-scoring chases.
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