West Indies Triumph Over Australia in Explosive T20 Warm-Up Match

 

 West Indies Dominate Australia in High-Scoring T20 Warm-Up Match

West Indies 257 for 4 (Pooran 75, Powell 52, Zampa 2-62) beat Australia 222 for 7 (Inglis 55, Ellis 39, Motie 2-31) by 35 runs

In a dazzling display of power hitting, the West Indies secured a commanding 35-run victory over Australia in their final warm-up match ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024 in Trinidad. Nicholas Pooran and Rovman Powell delivered blistering half-centuries, highlighting the hosts' batting prowess.

Match Highlights

West Indies' Batting Fireworks

Nicholas Pooran and Rovman Powell were the stars of the show, smashing a total of 12 sixes between them. Pooran blazed his way to 75 off just 25 balls, while Powell hammered 52 off 25 deliveries. Their explosive innings propelled the West Indies to a formidable total of 257 for 4 in their 20 overs. Sherfane Rutherford also contributed significantly with an unbeaten 47 from 18 balls, finishing the innings on a high note.

Australia, fielding a depleted team with just nine players and coaches filling in as substitute fielders, struggled to contain the West Indies' onslaught. Adam Zampa managed to take two wickets but conceded 62 runs, while Ashton Agar and Zampa combined gave away 120 runs in eight overs. Tim David, surprisingly, was the most economical bowler, claiming 1 for 40 from his four overs of part-time off-spin.

Pooran's Explosive Start

After being sent in to bat, the West Indies got off to a quick start with Shai Hope and Johnson Charles. Pooran entered the crease at 38 for 1 in the third over and immediately made his presence felt, hitting three consecutive sixes off the first three legal deliveries he faced. He reached his half-century in just 16 balls, targeting Australia's main spinners and smashing five sixes in six balls in the overs following the powerplay.

Despite a dropped catch by assistant coach Andre Borovec, Pooran continued to dominate until he was caught by George Bailey off Zampa. Powell then took over, maintaining the aggressive tempo. Rutherford added the finishing touches, taking on Zampa in the latter part of the innings.

Australia’s Response

Australia's reply was led by Josh Inglis, who scored a quick 55 off 30 balls. However, with only nine batters available, the chase never gained momentum. Ashton Agar, promoted to open, made a brisk 28 off 13 balls, but wickets fell regularly, and the required run rate climbed steeply.

Shamar Joseph provided a highlight for the West Indies by clean bowling David Warner for 15, despite being hit for two fours and a six in the previous deliveries. Mitchell Marsh, expected to stabilize the innings, fell cheaply. Tim David and Matthew Wade each contributed 25, but the task proved too daunting.

Gudakesh Motie was instrumental in restricting Australia's middle order, taking 2 for 31, including the crucial wickets of Inglis and David. Nathan Ellis fought back with a spirited 39 off 22 balls in a 51-run partnership with Zampa, who remained not out on 21. Despite their efforts, Australia finished their 20 overs at 222 for 7, well short of the target.