Match report: Watson guides Aussies to Super Eights

Source: Reuters

• West Indies 191/8 (Gayle 54, Samuels 50) lost to Australia 100/1 (Watson 41*, Hussey 28*)

Summary:

Australia advanced to the Super Eight stage of the T20 World Cup with a 100% winning record thanks to another match-winning performance from Shane Watson, and the mathematical calculations of Messrs Duckworth and Lewis. In a match shortened by rain, the Australian bowlers endured a torrid time from the power-packed West Indian batting lineup led by opener Chris Gayle who top-scored with 54. In reply, Australia's top order got off to a blistering start, reaching 100 in the tenth over before heavy rain halted the match.

The rain:

The deluge that began at the mid-point of the Australian innings ruined what was a potentially thrilling finish. Australia required a further 92 runs off the last 65 balls to chase down what would have been the 4th highest run chase in T20 World Cup history. It also meant that the West Indies didn't get the chance to rectify a poor start to the defence of what was still a tough total to reach.

Who's hot:

West Indies: Chris Gayle threatened to remove any chance Australia had in the match before being deceived by a Watson slower ball. The middle order also provided valuable runs at a rapid rate of knots.

Australia: The top order fired again for Australia, reaching 100 in just 57 deliveries. Mitchell Starc continued his good start to the tournament with three wickets.

What it means:

West Indies: A potentially nervy must-win match against Ireland to progress to the Super Eights. The West Indian bowling attack was unthreatening and leaked runs, something they must look at before the next match.

Australia: Undefeated after two games, but with a worry about the bowling attack which copped a pasting. Lynchpins of the batting order in good form though.

The Votes:

MVP: 3- S Watson (41 and wickets of Gayle and Samuels), 2- C Gayle (games top-scorer), 1- M Samuels (took up attack after Gayle's dismissal).
Tucker Trophy: 1- G Maxwell (went or 17 off one over), 2- R Rampaul (conceded 23 in seven balls), 3- D Smith (made a duck and dropped Watson, which could have won the game for the West Indies).