Warner, Starc stars as Australia beat West by 31 runs

David Warner's 75 runs from 45 balls and Mitchell Starc's 4 wicket haul helped Australia to beat West Indies by 31 runs and they also won the two-match T20I series by 2-0.

As it happened:-

West Indies won the toss and opted to bowl first against Australia at The Gabba in Brisbane. West Indies made two changes in their playing XI, Akeal Hosein and Obed McCoy came in for Raymon Reifer and Sheldon Cottrell. Australia also made one change in their team, Steven Smith replaced Mitchell Marsh. 

David Warner and Cameron Green opened the innings for Australia. Warner hit Mayers for two fours in the first over. Alzarri Joseph got the wicket of Green on 1(4). Warner smashed West Indies bowlers all around the ground while Aaron Finch struggled for timing. Of the 45 runs Australia scored in the powerplay, Warner made 37.

Warner scored his half-century in 30 balls and continued to punish West Indies bowlers. Australia was 88/1 at the end of the 10th over. McCoy got the wicket of Finch on 15(19). Warner also lost his wicket in the 12th over, Odean Smith dismissed him on 74(41). Apart from Tim David who scored 42 off 20 balls, Australia's middle order didn't contribute much to the total. Australia managed to score 178 runs in the 20 overs.

Chasing the target, West Indies didn't start well as Starc took a screamer and dismissed Mayers who hit him for a six in the previous ball. West Indies managed to score 45 runs in the powerplay as Charles and King looked to build a partnership. But after the powerplay, West Indies lost the wickets at regular intervals. 

None of the West Indies batters was able to cross the 30-run mark. West Indies only managed to score 148 runs for the loss of 8 wickets and lost the match by 31 runs. Mitchell Starc took 4 wickets and Pat Cummins took 2 wickets, Green and Zampa got one wicket each for Australia.

Australia will next play a three-match T20I series against England and West Indies will play two official warm-up matches against UAE and Netherlands.