In an electrifying warm-up for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, the West Indies overpowered Australia by 35 runs in a high-scoring encounter. Nicholas Pooran’s explosive 75 off 25 balls highlighted the Windies’ impressive total of 257/4, supported by a rapid half-century from captain Rovman Powell.
Australia, fielding a nine-man team, found hope through Josh Inglis’ 55, but their chase faltered, closing at 222/7. Elsewhere, Namibia edged past Papua New Guinea in a rain-shortened match, while inclement weather led to three no-results.
Pooran’s Powerhouse Performance
West Indies wicketkeeper Nicholas Pooran showcased his destructive batting, smashing eight sixes in a blistering innings after the early dismissal of Shai Hope. Pooran reached his half-century in just 16 balls, with Rovman Powell and Sherfane Rutherford providing solid support. Powell’s 52 from 25 balls and Rutherford’s 47 from 18 balls helped set Australia a daunting target of 258, despite Adam Zampa’s two wickets.
Ashton Agar’s 28 off 13 balls and Inglis’ quickfire 55 from 26 balls gave Australia a fighting chance. However, consecutive dismissals of Inglis and Matthew Wade (25) dampened their prospects. Nathan Ellis’ 39 off 22 balls added a late surge, but Gudakesh Motie’s 2/31 sealed the victory for the hosts.
Namibia Secures Victory Over PNG in Rain-Affected Clash
In Tarouba, Namibia clinched a narrow three-run win over Papua New Guinea via the DLS method. PNG set a target of 109/7, with David Wiese and Ruben Trumpelmann claiming two wickets each. Despite early setbacks, Jan Frylinck (36) and Jean-Pierre Kotze (30) steadied Namibia’s innings, reaching 93/6 when rain halted play, ensuring they were ahead of the DLS target.
Rain Disrupts Scotland’s Chase Against Uganda
Scotland’s promising start against Uganda was thwarted by rain in Tarouba. Uganda managed 90/5 in their 18 overs, with Riazat Ali Shah top-scoring with 22. Scotland responded with a swift 27/0 from 1.5 overs before rain ended the contest. Scotland faces Afghanistan next, while Uganda’s historic World Cup debut is against Afghanistan.
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 in 20 overs (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
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)
Nepal vs USA – Grand Prairie Cricket Stadium, Dallas
Result: Match abandoned
Netherlands vs Canada – Grand Prairie Cricket Stadium, Dallas
Result: Match abandoned
