West Indies Sends Strong Message with Convincing Win Over Australia
West Indies v Australia, Scorecard
The West Indies, co-hosts of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, displayed a formidable performance with a 35-run victory over Australia in a warm-up match in Trinidad on Thursday.
Nicholas Pooran stole the limelight with a brilliant 75, helping the West Indies to a colossal total of 257/4 at Queens Park Oval. This score proved insurmountable for Australia, as the Caribbean team sailed to victory ahead of their T20 World Cup opener against Papua New Guinea on Sunday.
Pooran hit an impressive eight sixes during his 25-ball innings. Captain Rovman Powell (52), left-hander Sherfane Rutherford (47*), and opener Johnson Charles (40) also contributed significantly, delighting the home crowd with their explosive batting.
Australia’s bowlers struggled against the West Indies’ top-order, with lead spinner Adam Zampa conceding 62 runs in his four overs, although he managed to claim two wickets.
Australia put up a respectable fight in response, despite the absence of several key players. Josh Inglis (55), Nathan Ellis (39), and Ashton Agar (28) were the standout performers in what was always going to be a challenging chase. The 2021 T20 World Cup winners ended with 222/7 in their final warm-up match.
For the hosts, spinner Gudakesh Motie (2/31) and tall pacer Alzarri Joseph (2/44) each claimed two wickets.
The thrill of watching the #MenInMaroon in action is unmatched. Thank you, Trinidad, for your support.#WIREADY | #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/oU1XUdJJWF
In another warm-up match on Thursday, Namibia edged out Papua New Guinea by three runs (DLS method) in a rain-affected game in Tarouba.
Papua New Guinea v Namibia, Scorecard
Papua New Guinea could only manage 109/7 in their 20 overs. However, an inspired spell from Assad Vala (2/17) kept Namibia in check. The African team were at a precarious 93/6 in the 17th over when the match was called off at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy.