Cricket: Australia feel wrath of Windies

Darren Sammy sealed the win. Photo / AP

Australia stand on the brink of elimination, a development that will delight everyone else in world cricket.

In a thrilling finish, two straight sixes from Darren Sammy sealed an unlikely West Indies victory with two balls to spare, condemning Australia to a second straight defeat and punishing them for some pre-match goading.

There was no love lost between these two teams in the build-up. Before this game, all-rounder James Faulkner said of the West Indies side: "I don't particularly like them." Faulkner had clashed with Chris Gayle during last year's Big Bash, while Brad Haddin had also taunted the batsman after a run of low scores.

As Faulkner's final delivery disappeared into the stands, the West Indies batsmen threw their bats into the air in delight, Gayle performing his signature victory dance in front of the demoralised Australians.

"A lot was said before this match," Sammy said. "You could see from the celebrations how good we felt. We were very pumped up for this game. And it was good to see Faulkner bowling the last over."

With two overs remaining, the West Indies still needed 31 to win. Cue a devastating volley of fire from Sammy, who knocked off the lot, first off Mitchell Starc and then Faulkner.

For Gayle, this was a particularly sweet triumph. At the time, he had responded to Haddin's jibe by tweeting that if he batted right-handed, he would still be better than Haddin. His rapid half-century was the perfect response.

Australia had posted a strong total after an indifferent start, Glenn Maxwell clearing the ropes with ease on his way to 45 and Brad Hodge taking up the cudgels when he was dismissed in the 11th over. Australia's total should have been good enough but their bowling let them down again.

India's win over Bangladesh means only an unlikely series of events could see Australia reach the semis.