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The two-time champions of the T20 World Cup, West Indies locked horns with Australia in the warm-up match at the Port of Spain in Trinidad on May 31 (IST). The Mitchell Marsh-led side, who’ll be eyeing to get their hands on the T20 World Cup 2024 trophy, won the toss and elected to field first.
West Indies, who will be led by Rovman Powell in the marquee event put up 257 runs in the stipulated 20 overs. For them, while Johnson Charles scored a 31-ball 40, wicketkeeper-batter Nicholas Pooran continued his brilliant form from the IPL 2024 with a 25-ball 75, which included eight towering sixes and five boundaries. Even skipper Rovman Powell also played a crucial 52-run knock to help post a decent score on their home turf.
Watch Nicholas Pooran’s blistering knock vs AUS:
The Australian side, who are fielding only nine members, felt the wrath of the West Indies top-order with their first-choice spinner Adam Zampa conceding 62 runs in his four-over spell, while picking up two wickets. Josh Hazlewood and Ashton Agar also conceded 55 and 58 runs respectively in their four overs quota.
In pursuit of the 258-run target, Australia also put up a decent show despite missing several key players in their side. While Ashton Agar scored a 13-ball 28, Josh Inglis scored a 30-ball 55, which included four maximums and five boundaries. Nathan Ellis also added 39 runs during his stay, but the side eventually fell short by 35 runs.
The champions of the 2021 T20 World Cup, Australia are placed in Group B, alongside England, Namibia, Scotland and Oman, whereas co-hosts West Indies are placed in Group C alongside New Zealand, Afghanistan, Uganda and Papua New Guinea. While the Rovman Powell-led side begin their campaign on June 2 against the Papua New Guinea, Australia will play their tournament opener on June 5 against Oman.
