Watson the star against West Indies
SHANE Watson starred with an all-round display as Australia took a 1-0 lead in the two-match Twenty20 series against the West Indies on Tuesday.
Watson conceded just 16 runs off his four overs with the ball before belting 69 off 43 deliveries in Australia's eight-wicket win at the Beausejour Stadium in St Lucia.
The allrounder's display trumped that of big-hitting West Indian Kieron Pollard, who top-scored in his team's 7-150 with 54 not out off just 26 balls.
Pollard's 50, which came off just 20 balls, was the fastest half-century by a West Indian in T20s. But he was a lone figure in the Windies' innings with Watson (1-16) and Dan Christian (3-24) ensuring Australia could overcome the loss of David Warner (0) in the first over of their run chase with an achievable target.
Watson combined with Michael Hussey (59 not out off 45 deliveries) in a 108-run stand for the second wicket before George Bailey (21no) teamed up with Hussey as Australia scored 2-153 to win with 11 balls remaining.
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