Windies pummel Aussies

The West Indies have taken a 2-0 lead in the five match T20 International series against Australia, thumping the visitors by 56 runs in Saint Lucia on Sunday (Australian time).

Aaron Finch's men were bowled out for the second time in as many days, Mitch Marsh's second consecutive fifty in vain as Australia was bowled out for 140 chasing 197 for victory.

The West Indies strong total was set up by left hander Shimron Hetmyer, who struck an explosive 61 from 36 balls in a partnership of 103 with all-rounder Dwayne Bravo (47*) having been in some early trouble at 3-59 in the eighth over.

Mitchell Starc leaked runs for Australia as he conceded 49 runs from his four overs without taking a wicket, no multiple wicket takers in the innings as West Indies finished at 4-196.

The chase got off to a horrible start, Matthew Wade out for a duck to the bowling of Sheldon Cottrell.

Aaron Finch made his second single figure score of the series, bowled by Fidel Edwards for just six.

The veteran paceman broke down with injury four balls later, leaving West Indies without a bowling option for the remainder of the innings.

Marsh continued his good form from the first match of the series but lacked any support, the game still on the line though as the all-rounder reached a half century.

Marsh's dismissal for 54 again started a collapse for Australia, losing their last seven wickets for 39 runs as the innings subsided meekly to give the home side a commanding two-nil lead.

Hayden Walsh was the pick of the bowlers with 3-29 from his four overs, claiming Marsh's scalp for a second straight match to break the back of the Australian innings.

The third T20I will be played on Tuesday morning Australian time, Finch's men needing a win to stay alive in the series.

IMAGE: Cricinfo