GROS-ISLET, St. Lucia, CMC – David Warner warmed-up for the Twenty20 World Cup with a half-century that helped Australia rebound from defeat the previous day, and crush  Windward Islands by 101 runs in their Twenty20 World Cup practice match on Thursday.

Warner struck five fours and one six in 51 from 41 balls, as Australia, sent in to bat, reached 189 for eight from their allocation of 20 overs in the match contested at the Beausejour Cricket Ground.

Windwards, whose line-up was boosted by Australians Tim Paine, Daniel Christian, and Nathan Hauritz, were dismissed for 88 in 20 overs, even though 12 players batted.

The victory follows Australia’s humiliation on Wednesday at the same venue, when Zimbabwe edged them by one run in a thriller.

Only three Windwards batsmen passed 10 – Lyndon James hit the top score of 20 not out, Christian supported with 20, and Keddy Lesporis made 11.

Australia captain Michael Clarke, bowling his left-arm spin, Stephen Smith, and Shaun Tait collected two wickets apiece.

Warner had earlier powered the Australians with his second straight half-century in the practice series.
David Hussey also played an aggressive knock of 49 off 31 balls that included three sixes, Clarke scored 30, and Craig White added 24.

Mervin Matthew finished with three for 34, and Keron Cottoy scalped two for 37.

Australia have been drawn in Group-A of the T20 World Cup with reigning champions Pakistan and Bangladesh.