AS IT HAPPENED: Warner and Aussies ruin Gayle, Bravo swansong with semi-securing win

The Super 12 portion of the T20 World Cup nears its conclusion tonight, when Australia takes on the West Indies in Abu Dhabi. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 9pm (AEDT).

Australia’s semi-final hopes are on the line tonight. There are a large number of permutations, which could see them either progress to the final four or miss out for the third World Cup in a row. They would go a large way towards achieving their goal with a big win.

After embarrassment against England, the shoe was on the other foot on Thursday night against Bangladesh. Australia’s attack was on song, whilst Aaron Finch and Mitch Marsh made batting look easy. It was hard to tell whether Australia was that good or Bangladesh that bad. The truth probably lies in the middle.

David Warner’s form still remains a big issuen and he may yet come under pressure to keep his spot, with a number of T20 openers in Australia’s line-up.

Mitchell Starc bowled with a lot more venom against Bangladesh, and he will be looking to continue that form tonight. Australia’s attack is looking well-rounded, with Adam Zampa proving himself a world-class T20 spinner with a maiden five-wicket haul.

The West Indies have endured a disappointing tournament. The defending champions sit in fifth spot in the group, and even a win tonight is not likely to be enough to get them automatic qualification for the Australian T20 World Cup in 2022.

Shimron Hetmyer and Nicholas Pooran are doing most of the scoring for the Windies, with the more experienced Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo and Keiron Pollard all struggling for runs. Bravo has announced his retirement after tonight and he may not be the only one.

The bowling unit is not proving dangerous enough with the ball, with Akeal Hosein topping the wicket count with only four. The likes of Andre Russell and Jason Holder need to lift for this one.

Prediction

It was not long ago that the West Indies beat Australia in a T20 series. However, that Australian team took on a completely different look to the team playing in the UAE.

The West Indies remain a dangerous foe and will be looking at ending the World Cup on a winning note, especially with some retirements likely.

However, Australia have got simply too much to play for here. They would go in as underdogs if they made the semi-final, likely to be against Pakistan; which is just the way Justin Langer would like it.

Australia by 30 runs or 5 wickets.

Game information

Venue: Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
First ball: 9pm (AEDT)
TV: Fox Cricket
Streaming: Kayo Sports
Betting: Australia $1.33, West Indies $3.30 – odds via PlayUp

Squads

Australia
Aaron Finch (c), Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Josh Inglis, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Swepson, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa.

West Indies
Kieron Pollard (c), Dwayne Bravo, Roston Chase, Andre Fletcher, Chris Gayle, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Evin Lewis, Nicholas Pooran, Ravi Rampaul, Andre Russell, Lendl Simmons, Oshane Thomas, Hayden Walsh Jr.