West Indies Thrash Australia in T20 World Cup 2024 Warm-Up Game with Stellar Performances from Pooran and Powell, held at the Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain, Trinidad.
West Indies Batting Highlights
Nicholas Pooran and Rovman Powell shone brightly for the West Indies in their final warm-up match before the T20 World Cup 2024, delivering powerful performances against Australia in Trinidad.
- Pooran’s Explosive Innings: Nicholas Pooran hit an incredible 75 runs off just 25 balls, launching the ball for sixes three times in his first three legal deliveries. His shots were a mix of decisive drives and lofted shots, mainly targeting the off-side boundary.
- Powell’s Power Play: Rovman Powell, the West Indies captain, added 52 runs off 25 balls to the fireworks. His aggressive batting style put Australia on the backfoot early in the innings, setting the stage for a massive total. Pooran and Powell hit a total of 12 sixes, which significantly boosted the team’s run rate.
- Sherfane Rutherford’s Finish: Sherfane Rutherford also made a significant impact, scoring 47 not out from just 18 balls.
Australia’s Struggles
Australia faced difficulties even before the match started. They had to play with just nine players due to [specific reason], relying on coaches to fill in as substitute fielders. This lack of full strength in the team could have been a major factor in their performance.
- Marcus Stoinis’ Equipment Delay: Marcus Stoinis arrived in Trinidad but couldn’t play because his kit was delayed in Miami.
- Coach Participation: Selectors George Bailey and assistant coaches Brad Hodge and Andre Borovec stepped in as fielders, with Borovec dropping a catch from Pooran.
West Indies Set a Huge Target
After being asked to bat first, the West Indies quickly put Australia under pressure.
- Fast Start: Pooran joined the game when the West Indies were 38 for 1 in the third over and immediately took control.
- Attacking the Spinners: Pooran mainly targeted Australia’s spinners Ashton Agar and Adam Zampa, hitting five sixes in just two overs.
- Massive Total: The West Indies finished their innings with a formidable 257 for 4 in 20 overs.
Australia’s Response
Australia’s reply started with some surprising decisions and a tough challenge ahead.
- Agar’s Opening Role: Ashton Agar opened the batting and scored 28 off 13 balls, hitting Akeal Hosein for four fours and two sixes.
- Warner and Marsh Dismissed: David Warner was bowled for 15 by Shamar Joseph, and Mitchell Marsh fell for a low score.
Josh Inglis, with his impressive 55 runs from 30 balls, stood out as a beacon of determination for Australia. Despite his efforts, the team couldn’t maintain the required run rate.
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West Indies Bowling Performance
The West Indies bowlers kept the pressure on Australia’s batters.
- Gudakesh Motie’s Middle Overs Control: Gudakesh Motie took 2 for 31, including the crucial wickets of Inglis and David.
- Ellis and Zampa’s Resistance: Nathan Ellis added 39 runs, and Adam Zampa remained not out at 21, helping Australia to bat out their 20 overs.
In the end, Australia’s nine-man team fell short, highlighting the West Indies’ dominance as they head into the T20 World Cup with confidence. The match was a testament to the West Indies’ power-packed batting and disciplined bowling, setting the stage for an exciting T20 World Cup 2024.