David Warner and Travis Head led Australia to a comfortable 36-run victory against England in a clash of champions at the Twenty20 World Cup in Barbados.
The first big heavyweight match – a day before India meet Pakistan – failed to live up to the billing as Australia impressively squeezed their old rivals, who hit only three boundaries in the last six overs at Bridgetown’s Kensington Oval.
Australia’s David Warner led Australia to victory against England during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.Credit: AP
Australia were the first side to reach the 200 mark in this tournament, smashing their way to a total of 7-201 to leave the defending champions facing a daunting run chase.
Warner blasted 39 from 16 balls, including four sixes and two fours, and Head contributed 34 off 18 as Australia advanced to 2-74 at the end of the powerplay.
Moeen Ali bowled Warner to make the breakthrough at 1-70 after five overs and Jofra Archer dismissed Head, also bowled, as England fought back with two quick wickets.
England reached 0-54 in the powerplay and Moeen hit three sixes in the 14th over. However, he departed in the 16th over for 25 from 15 balls after lofting a catch to Warner on the boundary to leave England in serious trouble on 5-128.
Adam Zampa and Mitchell Marsh celebrate after Australia took the wicket of England’s captain, Jos Buttler.Credit: AP
Captain Jos Buttler had earlier hit a top-scoring 42 from 28 balls but England finished well short on 6-165.
Australia, the ODI World Cup and world Test champions, are second in Group B after two games. Winless England are fourth, with Oman and Namibia to come.