Watson and Warner destroy India

Shane Watson and David Warner smashed half-centuries as Australia crushed India by nine wickets in their Super Eight World Twenty20 match on Friday.

Watson hit seven sixes and two boundaries in an entertaining 72 off 42 deliveries, having earlier taken three wickets for 34. His performance with bat and ball earned him the player of the match award.

Warner’s unbeaten 63 included three sixes and seven boundaries as Australia chased down India’s modest 140 for seven with more than five overs to spare.

India played three specialist spinners, having sacrificed a batsman in hard-hitting Virender Sehwag but struggled to get a grip on the ball due to a damp outfield.

Australia had already inflicted considerable damage by the time part-time spinner Yuvraj Singh had Watson caught by substitute player Manoj Tiwary.

Earlier, Watson’s medium fast bowling helped to keep India in check – after their batsmen had made a promising start by reaching 21 in three overs.

However, they were soon reduced to five down for 74.

Watson took two wickets in the 11th over to spark a middle order collapse during which India lost three wickets for four runs.

Irfan Pathan, promoted to open the batting for a second match in the tournament, top scored with 31. Suresh Raina made 26 in a late resistance. Seamer Mitchell Starc supported Watson well, taking 2-16.

Australia top Super Eight Group 2 with Pakistan who dramatically defeated South Africa by two wickets in the earlier match.