Australia face slippery Windies in must-win game

With their campaign back on track with a big win against Bangladesh, Australia will hope to avoid slipping up against West Indies in Abu Dhabi on Saturday.

After losing to arch-rival England last week, Australia bounced back with a record eight-wicket win over Bangladesh on Thursday. The margin of the victory boosted their net run-rate to +1.031 (from -0.627). Still, a win may not be enough if the Proteas manage to beat England on Saturday by a margin that would lift its NRR past Australia's.

If lucky, a loss against West Indies still could hand Australia a semifinal spot if England make it five out of five, beating South Africa.

So, there's a lot at stake for both Australia and South Africa. Australia currently occupy the second spot in the points table.

Facing such an uncertain scenario, the Australians cannot afford to be complacent. Moreover, a bruised and battered West Indies would look to salvage some pride and bow out of the showpiece with a win.

Australia's last semifinal appearance in the T20 World Cup was in 2012 when they were eliminated by eventual champion West Indies.

The two-time champion West Indies failed to live up to their reputation in this T20 World Cup as they relied heavily on ageing stars like Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo, Andre Russell and Kieron Pollard. Australia, on the other hand, are beginning to peak at the right time in their bid to win their only missing title.

The bowling attack came to the fore in their eight-wicket win over Bangladesh that came with 82 balls to spare -- the biggest T20I win between two full member teams. While the pace duo of Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc gave the opening blows, leg-spinner Adam Zampa polished off the tail en route to a career-best 5 for 19.

Even Glenn Maxwell (2-0-6-1) was tidy with his part-time off-spin and the team would only hope that he starts firing with his bat also. The inconsistent top-order also got some boost with the return of Mitchell Marsh at No 3. Marsh blasted 16 not out off five balls, an innings that included a six off Taskin Ahmed, to seal the issue after skipper Finch laid the foundation with a 40.

The team would hope that David Warner and Maxwell get into the groove against the misfiring Windies as they may stick to an unchanged XI.