Australia are through to the T20 World Cup semi-finals after finishing second in group 1 of the Super 12 phase.
Entering their last group fixture against the West Indies likely needing a win to progress, the Aussies won the toss and elected to bowl under the Abu Dhabi sun.
Despite getting off to a good start, the West Indies were thwarted by paceman Josh Hazlewood who claimed 4/39 from his four overs, while spinner Adam Zampa continued his great form with 1/20 from his spell.
Kieran Pollard’s 44 was the top score in the West Indies’ total of 7/157 and their defence started well as Australian captain Aaron Finch fell for just nine in the fourth over.
Having lost Finch, it was up to David Warner and Mitchell Marsh to steady the ship, which they did to aplomb as they put together a 124-run partnership for the third wicket.
With Warner upping the ante with his 89 not out coming from just 56 deliveries, the Aussies chased their target in just 16.2 overs, netting them the win and a crucial boost to their net run rate.
As Australia had done all they could to book themselves a place in the knockout stage, all they needed was South Africa not to beat table-toppers England in dominant fashion to keep their place in the semis.
Luckily, the Proteas’ 10-run win wasn’t enough to have them knock Australia out who now will likely play Pakistan in the semis later this week.
Group 1 leaders England will likely face off against New Zealand in their semi-final clash.