Twitter Reactions: Shimron Hetmyer, Hayden Walsh Jr decimate Australia

West Indies have shown why they are one of the favourites to win the T20 World Cup later this year despite being ICC’s no.9 ranked T20I team. The team, captained by Nicholas Pooran, defeated Australia by 56 runs in the second match of the series at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium, Gros Islet, St Lucia. As far as the Aussies are concerned, they are now in a must-win scenario.

Hetmyer shows his power

The hosts got off to a flying start courtesy of Lendl Simmons’ 21-ball 30 with one four and three sixes. However, Andre Fletcher and Chris Gayle couldn’t lend him the desired support. In the eighth over, the Caribbean team found themselves in a bit of bother after being reduced to 59 for three. Nevertheless, Shimron Hetmyer and Dwayne Bravo caught the Aussie bowlers by the scruff of their necks.

The duo stitched together a useful partnership of 103 runs off 10.1 overs to put West Indies in the driver’s seat. Hetmyer went on to notch 61 runs off 36 balls with two fours and four sixes being getting run out. The move to promote Bravo also paid off as he got 47 runs and stayed unbeaten. Andre Russell played a cameo of 24 off eight to propel the home team to a competitive 196.

Australia batters capitulate

Australia got off to a horrendous start as Sheldon Cottrell and Fidel Edwards got rid of Matthew Wade and Aaron Finch in the single digits. Josh Philippe tasted back-to-back failures as Hayden Walsh Jr rattled his woodwork. Moises Henriques hit a six, but his 19-run knock came at under a run-a-ball. Thereafter, no other Aussie batter could even get into double digits in the run-chase.

At the other end, the decision to send Mitchell Marsh at no.3 paid dividends again. The right-hander scored 54 off 42 balls with five fours and a six, though he would have wanted to carry on and take his team home. For the home team, Walsh Jr wreaked havoc once again as he picked up three wickets. Sheldon Cottrell picked two wickets and the other bowlers also chipped in with useful contributions.

Here’s how the netizens reacted to West Indies’ win:

West Indies beat Australia by 56 runs in the second T20 and lead the series 2-0 in the five-match series. Hetmyer with 61 from 36, Russell with his brute power, Hayden Walsh continues to take wickets and DJ Bravo with his all-around performance. #WIvAUS

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) July 11, 2021

Ian Bishop: "Instead of finding a finisher, Australia are being finished."#WIvAUS

— Andrew McGlashan (@andymcg_cricket) July 11, 2021

MOOD all 2nd innings long!🕺🏾 💃🏾 #WIvSA #MissionMaroon

Live Scorecard⬇️ https://t.co/8nynfmWfBe pic.twitter.com/btHgBeWzSm

— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) July 11, 2021

Gayle picks up the final wicket and WI win by 56. Comprehensive. #AUSvWI

— Melinda Farrell (@melindafarrell) July 11, 2021

West Indies spinners this series

Hayden Walsh: 8-52-6 (ER 6.50)
Fabian Allen: 7-46-2 (ER 6.57)

98/6 in 15 overs combined. 🔥#WIvAUS

— Deepu Narayanan (@deeputalks) July 11, 2021

Having gone eight and-a-half years without getting a bat, Josh Hazlewood gets two in consecutive evenings.

— Ric Finlay (@RicFinlay) July 11, 2021

Before this series, Langer talked about the pros and cons of a 7-4 team selection (7 batters, 4 bowlers) vs a 6-5 selection. Has he considered a 23-16 option? #WIvAUS

— Dan Liebke (@LiebCricket) July 11, 2021

Oh boy 🤦‍♂️

📺 WATCH: #WIvAUS https://t.co/iaYVTWQ3Ib
📝 BLOG: https://t.co/fdfpdOZxLi
📱 MATCH CENTRE: https://t.co/yZwQNm0xT2 pic.twitter.com/rc5cDLu2yz

— Fox Cricket (@FoxCricket) July 11, 2021

Those players who opted out of the tour may feel a touch more secure of their places after that 24 hours.#WIvAUS

— Andrew McGlashan (@andymcg_cricket) July 11, 2021

Aus have now exceeded yesterday's total. Looking up…

— Ric Finlay (@RicFinlay) July 11, 2021

41-year-old Chris Gayle bowls out Australia in St Lucia 98 days before the T20 World Cup. Only six of today’s XI are likely to be there for the first game, with David Warner, Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Pat Cummins and Jhye Richardson to return. Still, plenty of warning bells.

— Sam Landsberger 🗯 (@SamLandsberger) July 11, 2021