Australia’s prospects of reaching the T20 World Cup semi-finals in 2021 have improved considerably. Aaron Finch and co. thrashed Kieron Pollard’s West Indies by 8 wickets at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, November 6. Their victory has placed pressure on South Africa, who need to not only defeat England but also have an NRR higher than Australia’s. Here are Australia vs West Indies Match Highlights.
Australia vs West Indies Match Highlights
West Indies got off to a quick start after being sent in to bat first, with Chris Gayle and Evin Lewis putting up 30 runs for the very first wicket off 14 deliveries. Their excitement, though, was temporary as they were dropped to 35 for 3 in less than an over. Following Gayle being dismissed by Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood secured the wickets of Nicholas Pooran and Roston Chase. From then, Lewis and Shimron Hetmyer attempted to reestablish the innings.
Off 36 balls, the pair put up an important 35-run partnership. Adam Zampa split the pair, removing Lewis, who finished with 29 runs including 5 fours. Upon hitting 27, Hetmyer became Hazlewood’s second wicket. Hazlewood was also responsible for Dwayne Bravo’s dismissal. Kieron Pollard’s 31-ball 44 sparked the innings. West Indies finished with 157 courtesy of Andre Russell’s 7-ball 18.
Australia win by 8 wickets. #WIvAUS #MissionMaroon #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/FdrnmLWOra
— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) November 6, 2021
The Aussies’ objective was clear from the start of their run-chase. Despite losing Finch to Akeal Hosein, they scored 53 runs in the powerplay. David Warner stood up to the challenge and smashed his half-century in 29 balls. The lefty made certain that the needed rate exceed the original gradually. He also found a proper partner in Mitchell Marsh, who appeared to be in great shape.
As the Windies bowlers struggled to breathe, the pair put up 124 runs for the 2nd wicket. Marsh had a tough appearance versus Bangladesh and continued in the same vein against the West Indies. The right-hander reached 50 off 28 balls and then went on to smash 53 off 32 balls with 5 fours and 2 sixes. Meanwhile, Warner remained undefeated on a 56-ball 89 to lead his team.
Twitter Reactions:
Beautiful. Well done #Australia. By honouring and applauding Gayle and Bravo, you showed your class.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) November 6, 2021
A sorry tournament for the below-par and ageing West Indies:
Lost by 8 wickets v Australia
Lost by 20 runs v Sri Lanka
Won by 3 runs v Bangladesh
Lost by 8 wickets to South Africa
Lost by 6 wickets to England#T20WorldCup #Cricket— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) November 6, 2021
Ohhh @henrygayle you’re such a superstar.
The cricketing world will miss such a beautiful and colourful personality.
Love the UNIVERSE BOSS
Adios and am sure life post this will be even more colourful n Fun ❤️❤️❤️#CricketTwitter #WorldCupT20
— DK (@DineshKarthik) November 6, 2021
Chris Gayle: what an entertainer!
— Sarang Bhalerao (@bhaleraosarang) November 6, 2021
LEGEND ❤️ pic.twitter.com/ek1zDn2SF8
— 🐐 (@FOREVER_VK_FAN) November 6, 2021
Two absolute greats of the format 🐐 #T20WorldCup | #AUSvWI pic.twitter.com/goggQA8DPW
— ICC (@ICC) November 6, 2021
Six & Out. Ahhh @henrygayle couldn’t have finished his West Indies white-ball career in more apt fashion #T20WorldCup #AusvWI pic.twitter.com/MUYr0g9LOg
— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) November 6, 2021
It’s a must-win match for West Indies today. If they lose, they will drop to Number 9 (according to the ICC T20 Rankings predictor). If they are outside Top 8 by November 15, 2021, they will not “directly qualify for Super 12” of T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia. #AusvWI
— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) November 6, 2021
Also read: Pakistan Have Won The Toss And Have Opted To Bat Against Scotland
