Backed My Shots, Focused on Power-Hitting: Tim David After Smashing Fastest T20I Century for Australia

Basseterre (St Kitts) — Australian all-rounder Tim David credited his intense focus on power-hitting and self-belief after delivering a sensational performance in St Kitts, where he scored the fastest T20I century in Australia's history — reaching the landmark in just 37 balls. His fireworks helped Australia chase down a steep target of 215 with ease, sealing the series win with 23 balls to spare.

Earlier, West Indies opener Shai Hope struck his maiden T20I century, anchoring a 125-run opening stand with Brandon King and guiding the hosts to an imposing 214/4.

Australia’s chase got off to a rocky start as they slumped to 87/4 by the ninth over. But David flipped the script with a blistering counter-attack — racing to his half-century in just 16 balls and finishing off the chase with a boundary that also brought up his maiden T20I ton. His unbeaten 100 included 11 sixes and etched his name into the record books.

Debutant Mitchell Owen also impressed, smashing 36 off just 16 balls and building a rapid 128-run partnership with David in only 46 deliveries for the fifth wicket.

When asked if he should be batting higher up the order, David humbly dismissed the idea:
“Absolutely not. I just had a great time out there. I want to make the most of every opportunity with the bat. It was great to have some time at home recently — I had picked up a small niggle and didn’t really expect to come back and score a hundred for Australia.”

Reflecting on the conditions, David added, “The pitch was good, the boundaries were short, so I just backed myself to play my shots. Experience of playing here helped, and it paid off. I’ve put in a lot of work on my power-hitting, but I’m also focusing on expanding my range as a stroke-maker.”

With this victory, Australia has taken a commanding 3-0 lead in the five-match T20I series. The remaining matches are scheduled for July 27 and 29, where the visitors will look to complete a clean sweep.

With inputs from  IANS