David Warner and Travis Head led Australia to a comfortable 36-run win against England in a World Cup Twenty20 clash of champions in Barbados on Saturday.
The first big heavyweight match, a day before India v Pakistan, did not live up to the billing as Australia impressively squeezed England, who managed just three boundaries in the last over six overs at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown.
Australia's David Warner led Australia to victory against England during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup.Credit: AP
Australia were the first team to reach the 200 mark in this tournament, reaching a total of 201-7 to leave defending champions England with a daunting chase.
Warner blasted 39 from 16 balls, including four sixes and two fours, and Head contributed 34 from 18 as Australia raced to 74-2 at the end of the powerplay.
Moeen Ali bowled Warner to take the lead to 70-1 after five overs and Jofra Archer dismissed Head, also playing, as England fought back with two quick wickets.
England reached 54-0 in the powerplay and Moeen hit three sixes in the 14th over. However, he departed in the 16th over for 25 off 15 balls after dropping a catch to Warner on the boundary to leave England in dire straits on 128-5.
Adam Zampa and Mitchell Marsh celebrate after Australia took the wicket of England captain Jos Buttler.Credit: AP
Captain Jos Buttler had earlier hit a top score of 42 off 28 balls, but England finished well short on 165-6.
ODI World Cup and Test world champions Australia are second in Group B after two matches. One without a win is England fourth, with Oman and Namibia to come.
