Twitter Reactions: Hazlewood, Warner, Marsh steer Australia past lacklustre West Indies

Australia have further strengthened their chances of qualifying for the semi-final of the 2021 T20 World Cup. On Saturday, November 6, Aaron Finch and Co. defeated the Kieron Pollard-led West Indies by eight wickets at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi. Their win has put pressure on South Africa, who would not only have to beat England, but also need to get their net run rate above Australia’s.

Pollard rescues West Indies

After being put in to bat first, West Indies got off to bit off a flier as Chris Gayle and Evin Lewis put on 30 runs for the opening wicket off 14 balls. But their joy was momentary as they were reduced to 35 for three in a space of less than an over. Pat Cummins removed Gayle after which Josh Hazlewood picked up the wickets of Nicholas Pooran and Roston Chase. Lewis and Shimron Hetmyer tried to rebuild the innings from there.

The duo stitched together a vital 35-run stand off 36 balls. Adam Zampa separated the duo, getting rid of Lewis, who made 29 with five fours. Hetmyer became Hazlewood’s second victim after scoring 27. Hazlewood also accounted for Dwayne Bravo’s wicket. Kieron Pollard’s 31-ball 44 gave the innings some momentum. In the end, Andre Russell’s seven-ball 18 helped West Indies post 157.

Warner takes Australia home

The Aussies showed their intent in their run-chase from the word go. Although they lost Finch’s wicket to Akeal Hosein, they racked up 53 runs in the powerplay. David Warner stepped on the gas and notched his half-century off 29 balls. The southpaw made sure that the required rate hardly increased from the original. He also found an apt partner in Mitchell Marsh, who’s looked in excellent touch.

The duo put on 124 runs for the second wicket as the Caribbean bowlers kept gasping for breath. Marsh played a cameo against Bangladesh and he carried on in the same vein against West Indies as well. The right-hander accomplished his fifty off 28 balls and went on to score 53 off 32 with five fours and two sixes. Warner, in the meantime, stayed unbeaten on a 56-ball 89 to guide his team.

Here’s how the netizens reacted to Australia’s win