Facing a challenging situation after opting to bat and losing three wickets in the opening three overs, Russell (71 off 29 balls) and Rutherford (unbeaten 67 off 40) orchestrated a remarkable fightback.Their explosive partnership of 139 runs set a new standard for the highest sixth-wicket partnership in T20 internationals.
The West Indies posted a formidable total of 220-6, putting the pressure on Australia. In response, the hosts managed 183-5, with David Warner top-scoring with 81 in his final appearance for Australia at home.
The victory for the West Indies marked a strong comeback after losing the first match in Hobart by 11 runs. Australia sealed the series with a 34-run victory in Adelaide. Spinner Adam Zampa had a tough outing, conceding 65 runs off four overs, making it his most expensive performance in the T20 format.
Overall, the third T20 match showcased a thrilling display of cricket, with Russell and Rutherford’s exceptional partnership standing out as a highlight of the game.
“I was just happy I could contribute tonight,” said Russell. “I think it’s just the nature of this team, we are never out of it. Five wickets down, but there wasn’t any panic in the change rooms.
“I’m happy we came together as a team and we were definitely playing as a unit tonight.”
Australia made a solid start in their pursuit of the West Indies’ formidable total, reaching 61 without loss after the six-over powerplay with openers Warner and captain Mitchell Marsh at the crease.
Warner achieved a personal milestone by clocking his 3,000th run and went on to bring up his 26th half-century in T20 internationals off just 25 balls. However, the partnership was broken when Marsh departed for 17, skying a catch to Jason Holder off Akeal Hosein.
Australia reached 98-1 at the halfway mark, but the West Indies fought back with disciplined bowling, creating a turning point in the match when Australia lost three wickets for just three runs. Roston Chase played a crucial role, dismissing Warner and Josh Inglis, while Romario Shepherd bowled Aaron Hardie.
Despite Glenn Maxwell’s heroics in the previous match with an unbeaten 120, the required run rate proved too challenging. With 96 runs needed off the final five overs, even Maxwell’s efforts were insufficient, and he fell for 12.
The chase ultimately fizzled out, and Tim David’s quick 41 couldn’t rescue Australia as they fell short, giving the West Indies a 37-run victory.
“We knew they’d come into this series, they’re a really good team with some amazing cricketers, so fair play to the West Indies,” Marsh said.
With Australian pace spearhead Josh Hazlewood rested, Xavier Bartlett earned a debut and Johnson Charles nicked to wicketkeeper Matthew Wade in his first over before he bowled Kyle Mayers in his second over.
In between, Nicholas Pooran was removed by Jason Behrendorff to leave the West Indies reeling at 17-3.
But Chase began the rebuild, taking 17 off Bartlett’s third over before his luck ran out against Zampa, bowled for 37 as he attempted another big hit.
Hardie accounted for Rovman Powell (21) before Rutherford and Russell came to the rescue.
Russell blasted seven sixes and four boundaries, while Rutherford hit five sixes and five fours.
(With AFP inputs)