West Indies vs Australia: Fabian Allen takes a jaw-dropping one-handed catch to dismiss Aaron Finch in fifth T20I

Continuing their sensational run in the shortest format, West Indies defeated Australia in the fifth and final T20I by 16 runs, clinching the series 4-1. The encounter of indeed fascinating as both teams were neck-to-neck for the major part. Chasing 200 in St. Lucia, the Men in Yellow started well with most of the batsmen getting starts. However, none of them couldn’t play an impact knock.

Skipper Aaron Finch (34) was Australia’s highest run-scorer in the contest, and it won’t be wrong to say that his dismissal was the turning point of the game. With the scorecard reading 93/2 after nine overs, the visitors were on the right track. However, Finch got dismissed in the 10th over, and West Indies got the command. Although the Aussie captain got out on Hayden Walsh’s delivery, Fabien Allen should undoubtedly be credited for the crucial wicket.

Fabien Allen puts up a sensational fielding effort

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.

What a catch from Fabian Allen pic.twitter.com/w5F042PlSe

— William Mitchell (@news_mitchell) July 17, 2021

Finch was left stunned while the West Indies players were enthralled. The home team capitalized on the momentum and never allowed the Aussies to make a comeback after that. Wickets kept falling at regular intervals, with the required run rate getting higher with each delivery. Moises Henriques and Matthew Wade did play some handy shots, but their efforts weren’t enough as Australia could only post 183/9.

Earlier in the game, West Indies posted 199/8 after electing to bat first. Dashing opener Evin Lewis was the Caribbean side’s stand-out performer in the game, scoring 79 off 34 deliveries. Chris Gayle and skipper Nicholas Pooran also chipped in with fiery cameos as the hosts piled up a massive total. Australia put up a commendable fight but wasn’t able to go over the line. While Lewis was awarded the Player of the Match, Hayden Walsh earned the Player of the Series title.