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).

Match report: Watson leads Aussies past Ireland

Source: cricinfo.com

• Ireland 123/7 (K O'Brien 35, Watson 3/26) lost to Australia 125/3 (Watson 51, Warner 26)

Summary:

Australia avoided another embarrassing group stage defeat with a commanding performance against Ireland. Shane Watson set the tone removing Irish opener William Porterfield with the first ball of the game, as the Aussie attack took wickets at regular intervals to restrict Ireland to a low total. Watson and fellow opener Dave Warner ensured Australia were never troubled in the run chase.

All-round performance:

The match ended up being all about Shane Watson. Took three wickets with the ball including the key wicket of Irish top-scorer Kevin O'Brien, before notching the tournaments first fifty in a typically bludgeoning fashion. Was also involved in a bit of by-play on the field with the Irish player and the umpires.

Who's hot:

Australia: Watson aside, the Aussie will be encouraged by the performances of Mitchell Starc (2/20) with the ball and Cameron White (22 off 19) closing the innings. Captain George Bailey's move to open the bowling with Watson was inspired.

Ireland: The O'Brien brothers provided the most resistance to the Australians combining for 55 runs and a wicket. Opening bowler Rankin competed hard against without reward against Watson and Warner. 

What it means:

Australia: Have shown that T20 rankings are pretty meaningless, as Australia have at times been ranked below Ireland. Can now concentrate on Super Eight stage without worrying about needing a result against the West Indies.

Ireland: Teams now take Ireland very seriously after their efforts at the last T20 World Cup. Will need to improve dramatically to challenge the West Indies.

The Votes:

MVP: 3- S Watson (pretty obvious), 2- K O'Brien (fought on with bat and ball), 1- M Starc (2 wickets and was economical)

Tucker Trophy: 1- P Stirling (made 7 off 12 and went for 13 off one over), 2- W Porterfield (golden duck as captain a bad look), 3- Australian uniform designers (hang your heads in shame)