NEW DELHI: Openers David Warner and Travis Head starred with the bat and Adam Zampa then led the bowlers with a superb spell as Australia thrashed defending champions England by 36 runs in Group B T20 World Cup game in Barbados on Saturday.
The Australian top-order showcased their batting prowess, becoming the first team in the tournament to breach the 200-run mark as they amassed an impressive 201 for 7 at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown.
The opening duo of Warner and Head set the tone for Australia's innings, with Warner smashing 39 from 16 balls, including four sixes and two fours while Head contributed a quickfire 34 off 18 deliveries.
Their explosive partnership propelled Australia to 74 for 2 by the end of the powerplay.
England bowlers fought back with Moeen Ali dismissing Warner and Jofra Archer removing Head but despite the setbacks, Australia's strong start had already put them in a favorable position as they went on to post a big total.
In response, England's openers started positively, reaching 54 for no loss in the powerplay.
Moeen Ali provided hope, hitting three sixes in the 14th over on his way to 15-ball 25 but his dismissal in the 16th over left England in all sorts of troubles at 128 for 5.
England's captain Jos Buttler top-scored with a valiant 42 off 28 but it proved insufficient as the defending champions fell short, finishing at 165 for 6.
Zampa and Pat Cummins took two cheap wickets each.
With this win, Australia, the current ODI World Cup and World Test champions have solidified their position at the top in Group B after two games, while England finds themselves in fourth place.
(With inputs from Reuters)
