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- Jan 13, 2010
Australia continued their new found dominance in the T20 format with another convincing win, this time over the host nation, West Indies. Put into the field for the first time in the tournament, Australia bowled WI out for 105 and chased it with 3.4 overs and 6 wickets to spare.
A new opening combo began the innings for Australia, with Nannes and Tait given the opportunity to set up the match. After straight driving Nannes for four, Chris Gayle fell, bowled next ball, leaving the West Indians hopes in tatters. The old firm of Sarwan and Chanderpaul gave some hope to the West Indian fans, including 2 fours in Johnson’s first over. Johnson recovered in the final ball when Chanderpaul tried to smash Johnson over his head, only to sky one to a diving David Hussey.
Once Chanderpaul departed, the West Indian worm never saw the 7 runs per an over mark again. Johnson continued his lucky ways with one of the most fluky deflect run outs you will see to dismiss Bravo. Steven Smith would then make his mark with his leg spin for the first time at the top level. He started with a lucky wicket of Deonarine, who tried the hit out or get out technique. Then came the Steven Smith magic which the Australian selectors have invested faith in. First up came a ball that pitched on leg stump which turned past off stump, completing bamboozling Pollard and giving Haddin a simple stumping. Sammy then presented Smith with a simple caught and bowled, leaving Smith on a hattrick. The hattrick was not meant to be but his 3 for 20 would end up being the man of the match performance.
David Hussey again showed his golden arm by taking 2 wickets in his only over. As I pointed out in my previous article, David Hussey hasn’t been used for two matches. Clarke must be keeping him hidden for the semis as Hussey doesn’t have any known issues after he bowls like Katich and Clarke. Shane Watson ended the innings after being hit for six by Benn, West Indies all out for 105.
The openers started in a solid manner but the loss of Warner and Watson in consecutive balls, gave West Indies a very small sniff. Haddin and Clarke’s test mode batting ensured no extreme collapse occurred, Haddin stepped up a gear after seeing his strike rate was well behind Captain Turtle (the new nickname given to Clarke by fans). Clarke ended up being undone by a remarkable piece of fielding from Bravo who first saved a certain four and then turned that into a wicket from a direct hit. Clarke’s 16 off 24 came at a strike rate of 66.6 which will provide more ammo for the ‘Clarke is too slow for T20 cricket’ fan club.
Brad Haddin fell off the penultimate ball as Chris Gayle ended the match with 5 wides. Haddin’s 42 off 46 balls means Michael Clarke is the only batsmen yet to fire. On the bowling front Shane Watson has been the easiest to play of the bowlers.
Key Matchup results
Gayle vs Australia bowlers – Gayle may have fired the first shot but this was well and truly a victory to the Australian bowlers.
Roach, Taylor vs Watson, Warner – Roach ended up being the one left out, Taylor removed Watson but had 25 runs taken from his two overs. Its hard to split it but with West Indies small score, the 25 runs conceded by Taylor ensured Australia got the start they needed to chase the small target.
Key points to note from the match for Australia
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A new opening combo began the innings for Australia, with Nannes and Tait given the opportunity to set up the match. After straight driving Nannes for four, Chris Gayle fell, bowled next ball, leaving the West Indians hopes in tatters. The old firm of Sarwan and Chanderpaul gave some hope to the West Indian fans, including 2 fours in Johnson’s first over. Johnson recovered in the final ball when Chanderpaul tried to smash Johnson over his head, only to sky one to a diving David Hussey.
Once Chanderpaul departed, the West Indian worm never saw the 7 runs per an over mark again. Johnson continued his lucky ways with one of the most fluky deflect run outs you will see to dismiss Bravo. Steven Smith would then make his mark with his leg spin for the first time at the top level. He started with a lucky wicket of Deonarine, who tried the hit out or get out technique. Then came the Steven Smith magic which the Australian selectors have invested faith in. First up came a ball that pitched on leg stump which turned past off stump, completing bamboozling Pollard and giving Haddin a simple stumping. Sammy then presented Smith with a simple caught and bowled, leaving Smith on a hattrick. The hattrick was not meant to be but his 3 for 20 would end up being the man of the match performance.
David Hussey again showed his golden arm by taking 2 wickets in his only over. As I pointed out in my previous article, David Hussey hasn’t been used for two matches. Clarke must be keeping him hidden for the semis as Hussey doesn’t have any known issues after he bowls like Katich and Clarke. Shane Watson ended the innings after being hit for six by Benn, West Indies all out for 105.
The openers started in a solid manner but the loss of Warner and Watson in consecutive balls, gave West Indies a very small sniff. Haddin and Clarke’s test mode batting ensured no extreme collapse occurred, Haddin stepped up a gear after seeing his strike rate was well behind Captain Turtle (the new nickname given to Clarke by fans). Clarke ended up being undone by a remarkable piece of fielding from Bravo who first saved a certain four and then turned that into a wicket from a direct hit. Clarke’s 16 off 24 came at a strike rate of 66.6 which will provide more ammo for the ‘Clarke is too slow for T20 cricket’ fan club.
Brad Haddin fell off the penultimate ball as Chris Gayle ended the match with 5 wides. Haddin’s 42 off 46 balls means Michael Clarke is the only batsmen yet to fire. On the bowling front Shane Watson has been the easiest to play of the bowlers.
Key Matchup results
Gayle vs Australia bowlers – Gayle may have fired the first shot but this was well and truly a victory to the Australian bowlers.
Roach, Taylor vs Watson, Warner – Roach ended up being the one left out, Taylor removed Watson but had 25 runs taken from his two overs. Its hard to split it but with West Indies small score, the 25 runs conceded by Taylor ensured Australia got the start they needed to chase the small target.
Key points to note from the match for Australia
- Steven Smith got his first MOTM award in International cricket.
- Steven Smith 3-20 is his best T20I figures and he has 9 wickets for the tournament which is the second highest for Australia.
- The pace trio continue to be effective either through economy or wickets.
- David Hussey has the best bowling average in the tournament with 5 wickets at 4.60
- Australia played conservatively against the spinners letting their 8 overs go for 28 runs.
- West Indies again had no middle to lower order with the last 7 wickets falling for 42 runs.
- The spinners Miller and Benn were the pick of the bowlers going for under 4 an over.
- Only Chris Gayle past the 50 mark for the tournament, the next highest scorer was Sammy on 30.
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