The solar panels at the Kensginton Oval, Barbados have not been safe. After Scotland opener Michael Jones shattered one of the solar panels in their campaign opener against England, Australian captain Mitchell Marsh did damage to it as well. Marsh in the ninth over smashed England leg-spinner Adil Rashid for a massive six to hit the roof of the stadium where the solar panels are installed.
Marsh who was new to the crease went on the back foot and punished the short ball with a six over deep midwicket. The ball went over the Greenidge-Haynes stand.
Earlier, England captain Jos Buttler won the toss and opted to field first. Marsh made just one change to the side by replacing Nathan Ellis with Pat Cummins. David Warner and Travis Head got Australia off to a flyer in the powerplay overs. Moeen Ali broke the partnership and then Jofra Archer got rid of Travis Head. Warner scored 39 runs from 16 balls whereas Head contributed with an 18-ball 34. They shared a 70-run partnership in 30 balls.
Marsh continued to take the aerial route. He hit Archer for a maximum over mid-wicket as well. He fell to Liam Linvingstone in the 14th over. He was stumped out for a 25-ball 35. When he departed, Australia's score was 139/3 from 13.5 overs. In the next over, Rashid got the better of Glenn Maxwell who scored 28 runs from 25 balls.
Marcus Stoinis contributed with a 17-ball 30 cameo before he was dismissed by Chris Jordan in the final over. Pat Cummins was run out for a diamond duck to get Matthew Wade on style. Wade's 10-ball 17 helped Australia post 201/7.
First 200-plus score of tournament
This is the first 200-plus total in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024. The previous-highest belonged to co-hosts USA. Aaron Jones' record-breaking knock helped them score 197/3 against Canada in the tournament opener.
Rare incident at Kensginton Oval
Also, this is the third instance of a team scoring 200-plus at Kensington Oval, Bridgetown. The highest came in he match between West Indies and England. West Indies scored 224/5. In reply, England managed to post 204/9 on the board.
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