Faulkner silenced by Sammy as West Indies nudge favourites Australia towards the exit
DARREN SAMMY helped nudge pre-tournament favourites Australia towards the exit door with a thrilling run chase in Dhaka yesterday, and then took aim at outspoken all-rounder James Faulkner.
Faulkner had reignited some long-standing feuds between the two sides when saying before the match that he "did not particularly like the West Indies".
But Sammy and his team had the last laugh as the most destructive finisher in cricket smashed 34 in 13 balls - and two sixes off Faulkner to win the match - as the Windies chased down a total of 179-4 with two balls to spare.
"Talk is cheap but cricket is a game of action. You can talk all you like," said Sammy. "I don't think Faulkner will like us any more after that."
It was a result that leaves Australia highly likely to face a group stage exit even if they win their final two matches against Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Meanwhile, captain Charlotte Edwards led from the front as England's women routed tournament hosts Bangladesh by 79 runs in Sylhet yesterday to boost their run rate and improve chances of reaching the semi-final.
Talk is cheap but cricket is a game of action. You can talk all you like
Edwards' 80 from 69 balls after winning the toss and electing to bat had restored equilibrium after a rocky start in which Sarah Taylor, Tammy Beaumont and Lydia Greenway were dismissed for single figures. England recovered to post 137-5.
The offspin of Danielle Hazell was the key which turned the screw in the Bangladeshi response, with 3-4 in her four overs. Fast bowler Natalie Scriver weighed in with 3-10 as the home side folded.