Charge down the wicket with T20 Cricket World Cup tips for semi-final hopefuls Australia’s last group-stage match against out-of-contention West Indies.
T20I Cricket Tips – Australia V West Indies
21:00 (AEDT), Sat 6th Nov @ Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
History: Played 16: West Indies 10 V Australia 6
Last meeting: July 16, 2021: West Indies d Australia by 16 runs at Darren Sammy National Cricket Stadium
Final Thoughts: Australia are in the box-seat for a T20 World Cup semi-final spot, leapfrogging South Africa in Group 1 on net run-rate courtesy of a comprehensive eight-wicket win over Bangladesh on Thursday. Victory over West Indies on Saturday will almost certainly clinch a berth in the semis, with the Proteas facing unbeaten England later the same day.
Australia needed a strong response to their insipid eight-wicket loss to England on Sunday, in which they were bowled out for 125 and had their total mowed down with 50 balls to spare.
They skittled Bangladesh for just 73 with Adam Zampa (5/19) continuing his outstanding tournament. Josh Hazlewood (2/8), Mitchell Starc (2/21) and Glenn Maxwell (1/6) also bowled superbly.
Australia needed just 38 balls to reach the modest target. Aaron Finch (40 off 20) made the most of the opportunity and Mitch Marsh (16* off 5) produced an entertaining late cameo.
Champs to chumps
There’s been few high points for West Indies since being bowled out for 55 in their opener against England. The defending champs lost convincingly to South Africa (8 wickets), pipped Bangladesh (3 runs) and went down to Sri Lanka (20 runs).
After doing little of note previously in the tournament, Shiron Hetmeyer went for 81 not out off just 54 balls against Sri Lanka. Nicholas Pooran chipped in with 46 off 34. But it’s been a forgettable campaign for high-profile stars such as Chris Gayle and Andre Russell.=
West Indies boast a 10-6 record against Australia in T20Is, boosted by their 4-1 demolition of the under-strength tourists in St Lucia in July. Mitch Marsh’s form – scoring 219 runs at 43.80, including three half-centuries – was a rare highlight for the Aussies, while Evin Lewis, Hetmeyer and Gayle racked up some big scores for the hosts.
Australia are $1.34 favourites and seemingly only a total meltdown, or a spectacular form reversal from the Windies, will prevent them from taking the vital W. With Zampa’s five-for giving him 10 wickets for the World Cup, he’s excellent value to lead the charge for the Aussie bowlers again.
