Saint Vincent, March 22 (NationPress) Alana King showcased her exceptional skills once again, claiming figures of 2-25 as Australia triumphed over the West Indies by 17 runs in the second match of the T20I series. This victory secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series with one game remaining.

Choosing to bat first, Australia got off to an energetic start, led by Georgia Voll’s explosive innings of 39 runs off 23 balls. Her performance, which included six boundaries and a six, set a strong tone during the powerplay before she was dismissed on the last ball of the sixth over.

As the innings progressed, Phoebe Litchfield and Ellyse Perry combined for a solid 58-run partnership for the third wicket. Litchfield contributed 35 runs from 29 balls, while Perry added an impressive 42 runs off 28 deliveries, ensuring the scoreboard kept moving despite a cautious approach.

Australia accelerated towards the end of their innings, with Perry, Georgia Wareham, and Nicola Carey adding 32 runs in the final four overs, pushing their total to a commendable 164/5.

In response, the West Indies faced an early challenge when Qiana Joseph was run out in the fourth over due to sharp fielding from Litchfield. Despite managing to avoid further dismissals during the powerplay, their scoring rate was sluggish, accumulating only 26 runs in the first six overs.

The Australian bowlers exerted tight control, with Kim Garth leading the charge with economical bowling, supported well by Carey, Darcie Brown, and King.

West Indies captain Hayley Matthews struggled initially, scoring just one run off her first twelve balls, but later turned her innings around. She played a counter-attacking role, scoring 56 runs off 41 balls, including seven fours and three sixes, forming a vital 77-run partnership with Stafanie Taylor to revive their chase.

However, Alana King shifted the momentum back in Australia’s favor during the middle overs. After a challenging start, she made a crucial breakthrough by dismissing Matthews with a catch at mid-off and then removing Taylor in her next over, effectively crippling the West Indies' chances.

A late surge from Deandra Dottin, who remained not out on 39, along with a quick partnership with Jahzara Claxton, reduced the deficit but ultimately was not enough. The West Indies ended their innings at 147/4, falling short as Australia clinched the series with a commanding all-round display.

Brief Scores: Australia 164/5 in 20 overs (Ellyse Perry 42, Georgia Voll 39; Deandra Dottin 1-30, Afy Fletcher 1-32) defeated West Indies 147/4 in 20 overs (Hayley Matthews 56, Deandra Dottin 39; Alana King 2-25, Georgia Wareham 1-16) by 17 runs.