ICC T20 WC: Australia keep hopes alive with crushing win over Windies

Australia did their chances of making the semi-final of the ICC T20 World Cup no harm with a fine eight wicket win over West Indies at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Saturday afternoon.

West Indies after being asked to bat posted 157 for seven in their 20 overs and in their response Australia finished on 161 for two in just 16.2 overs.

Earlier, West Indies got off to a brisk start, but soon they lost their top-order. West Indies slipped tp 35 for three. Then onwards West Indies found it difficult to up the asking rate. There was a 35 run fourth wicket stand between Evin Lewis (29) and Shimron Hetmyer (27). At 91 for five it looked like West Indies would finish with a sub-par score. But captain Kieron Pollard (44) held fort at one end. Pollard added useful runs with Dwayne Bravo. Towards the end West Indies finished on a high on 157 for seven thanks to Andre Russell's brisk 18 off seven balls including two sixes off the last two balls. For Australia the best bowlers were Josh Hazlewood (4-39) and Adam Zampa (1-20).

David Warner speaks after Australia beat the West Indies #T20WorldCup

© ICC / T20 World Cup

The chase for Australia was swift. Captain Aaron Finch got off to a quick start. Then post Finch's dismissal, Australia's innings went into an overdrive. David Warner took charge of the chase with number three Mitchell Marsh. Warner and Marsh batted as if in a hurry as Australia gallopped towards the target. Warner finished unbeaten on 89 off 56 balls with nine boundaries and four sixes and Marsh raced to 53 off 32 balls with five boundaries and two sixes.

Warner and Marsh added 124 runs for the second wicket. In the end Australia finished on 161 for two in 16.2 overs. Both the sides gave a grand send off to Dwayne Bravo in his final international game.

With this defeat, West Indies may now end up playing the first round of the ICC T20 World Cup next year in Australia making their path that much more difficult to a third title in this format.

Match Summary

West Indies: 157-7 (20)
Fall of wickets: 1-30 (Chris Gayle-2.2 ov), 2-35 (Nicholas Pooran-3.1 ov), 3-35 (Roston Chase-3.3 ov), 4-70 (Evin Lewis-9.3 ov), 5-91 (Shimron Hetmyer-12.5 ov), 6-126 (Dwayne Bravo-17.3 ov), 7-143 (Kieron Pollard-19.2 ov)

Australia: 161-2 (16.2)
Fall of wickets: 1-33 (Aaron Finch-3.3 ov), 2-157 (Mitchell Marsh-15.6 ov)

Result: Australia won by eight wickets

Scorecard

Playing XI
West Indies: Chris Gayle, Evin Lewis, Nicholas Pooran (wicket-keeper), Roston Chase, Shimron Hetmyer, Kieron Pollard (captain), Andre Russell, Dwayne Bravo, Jason Holder, Hayden Walsh, Akeal Hosein

Australia: David Warner, Aaron Finch (captain), Mitchell Marsh, Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade (wicket-keeper), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa

Match details
Toss: Australia, elected to field
Venue: Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Start time: 1400 hrs UAE time
Match officials: Langton Rusere, Richard Illingworth (On-field Umpires); Aleem Dar (TV Umpire); Adrian Holdstock(Reserve Umpir); Javagal Srinath (Match-referee)