Aussies crush woeful Windies

Spinner Smith stars with the ball, taking three for 20 in St Lucia

Last updated: 12th May 2010  

Aussies crush woeful Windies

Smith: Three-wicket haul in one-sided win for Australia

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West Indies saw their ICC World Twenty20 hopes end with a whimper as they suffered a six-wicket loss at the hands of Australia in St Lucia.

The tournament hosts needed to win the final Super Eights fixture handsomely if they were to pip Sri Lanka, who had beaten India earlier in the day, to second spot in Group F.

But, having won the toss and chosen to bat first, their slim chances of a semi-final berth disappeared when they were bowled out for 105.

Such a meagre target proved no problem for Australia, who will continue their quest to claim the one major trophy that has avoided them so far with a last-four showdown against defending champions Pakistan on Friday.

David Warner gave them a rapid start to their reply with a breezy 25, the left-hander hitting four fours and a six as he dominated the scoring early on.

Brilliant Bravo

The West Indies did pick up both Warner and his opening partner Shane Watson with the score on 31, while Australia skipper Michael Clarke was run out by a brilliant piece of fielding from Dwayne Bravo for 16.

But Brad Haddin enjoyed the chance to get some batting practice, making 42 before perishing with the finishing line in sight to Chris Gayle.

Cameron White came out to the middle to be greeted by a bouncer from the West Indies captain, giving away four wides to finish off a one-sided encounter that had almost been decided just two balls in.

Fresh off a superb knock of 98, Gayle immediately hit Dirk Nannes for four - only to then see the next delivery deflect off his pads and onto his stumps.

Shivnarine Chanderpaul (24) tried to fill the boots of his departed captain but in less than 10 overs the home team went from 39 for one to 85 for nine.

Australia's pacemen may have dominated in their recent wins over India and Sri Lanka in Barbados but the slower track at the Beausejour Cricket Ground suited Steven Smith perfectly, the leg spinner taking three for 20.

Ramnaresh Sarwan did his best to keep the innings alive with 26 before becoming one of two wickets in one over for David Hussey's part-time off-spin.