West Indies Stun Australia in High-Scoring T20 Warm-Up: Key Match Highlights and Results

 West Indies Triumph Over Australia in High-Scoring Warm-Up Match

In an exciting warm-up clash for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, the West Indies outplayed Australia in a run-filled encounter at Port of Spain. Led by Nicholas Pooran’s explosive 25-ball 75, the hosts posted a formidable 257 for four, eventually securing a 35-run victory.

 Highlights of the Match

Pooran's Power Play

West Indies' wicketkeeper Nicholas Pooran set the tone early, smashing eight sixes in a blistering innings after the early dismissal of Shai Hope. Pooran’s 50 came off just 16 balls, with strong support from captain Rovman Powell and Sherfane Rutherford. Powell scored a rapid 52 from 25 balls, while Rutherford contributed 47 off 18 deliveries. Despite Adam Zampa's efforts, taking two wickets, Australia was set an imposing target of 258.

Australia’s Response

Australia showed promise at the start with Ashton Agar hitting 28 off 13 balls. Josh Inglis kept the chase alive, scoring 55 in 26 balls, but the momentum waned after both Inglis and Matthew Wade (25) were dismissed consecutively around the 12th over. Nathan Ellis added a valiant 39 from 22 balls, yet the West Indies maintained control. Left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie’s two for 31 helped seal the victory for the hosts.

 Other Warm-Up Matches

Namibia Edges Out Papua New Guinea

In Tarouba, Namibia triumphed over Papua New Guinea in a rain-affected match by three runs under the DLS method. PNG, batting first, posted 109 for seven, with David Wiese (2/8) and Ruben Trumpelmann (2/15) delivering effective spells. Bernard Scholtz added pressure with one for 11 from four overs. In reply, Namibia overcame an early wobble, with Jan Frylinck (36) and Jean-Pierre Kotze (30) leading a recovery. Namibia was ahead of the DLS target when rain halted play with 3.1 overs left.

Rain Disrupts Scotland vs Uganda

Scotland’s warm-up game against Uganda was interrupted by rain in Tarouba. Uganda managed 90 for five in their reduced 18 overs, with Riazat Ali Shah top-scoring with 22. Scotland’s Safyaan Sharif and Jack Jarvis each took two wickets. Scotland, led by Ollie Hairs’ quick 20 not out, were 27 without loss from 1.5 overs before rain abandoned the match.

Match Abandonments

Nepal's match against the USA and the Netherlands' game against Canada were both abandoned due to weather conditions, disrupting their warm-up preparations.

 Upcoming Fixtures

Both Namibia and Papua New Guinea are set to kick off their World Cup campaigns on Sunday, with PNG facing co-hosts West Indies and Namibia taking on Oman. Scotland will play Afghanistan in their final warm-up match before their tournament opener against reigning champions England on June 4. Uganda is set to begin their historic first ICC Men’s T20 World Cup campaign against Afghanistan on June 3.

Scores in Brief

Australia vs West Indies – Queen’s Park Oval, Port of Spain, Trinidad

- West Indies: 257/4 in 20 overs (Nicholas Pooran 75, Rovman Powell 52; Adam Zampa 2/62)

- Australia: 222/7 (Josh Inglis 55; Gudakesh Motie 2/31)

- Result: West Indies win by 35 runs

Scotland vs Uganda - Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Tarouba

- Uganda: 90/5 in 18 overs (Riazat Ali Shah 22; Safyaan Sharif 2/16)

- Scotland: 27/0 in 1.5 overs

- Result: Match abandoned

Nepal vs USA - Grand Prairie Cricket Stadium, Dallas

- Result: Match abandoned

Namibia vs Papua New Guinea - Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Tarouba

- Papua New Guinea: 109/7 in 20 overs (Sese Bau 29; David Wiese 2/8)

- Namibia: 93/6 in 16.5 overs (Jan Frylinck 36; Alei Nao 2/9)

- Result: Namibia win by three runs (DLS)

Netherlands vs Canada - Grand Prairie Cricket Stadium, Dallas

- Result: Match abandoned

The matches provided a thrilling prelude to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, showcasing impressive performances and setting the stage for an exciting tournament ahead.