Australia joined traditional rivals England in the semi finals of the T20 World Cup as they flattened the West Indies by eight wickets in 16.2 overs in their last group 1 qualifying round match in Abu Dhabi yesterday. Opener David Warner who entered the tournament not in the best of form smashed his way to an unbeaten 89 from 56 balls to set the course for Australia after the West Indies set them a 158 target. With no need for any press of the panic button, Warner and Marsh drove the final nails into the coffin of the West Indies with a stand of 124 runs to seal the result and a place in the semi finals. With the exit of Gayle probably for the last time wearing the West Indies colours, Australian paceman Josh Hazelwood sent back Nicholas Pooran for 4 and two balls later had Roston Chase bowled for a duck that left the West Indies at 35 for 3. West Indies captain Kieron Pollard made a top score of 44 but it was too late a contribution as they signed off with just a single win from five encounters in the tournament.

Source: Sunday Observer November 07, 2021 02:18 UTC