It's end of a generation for West Indies cricket: Pollard

West Indies captain Kieron Pollard admitted that Saturday's T20 World Cup loss to Australia was the "end of a generation" for the two-time world champions as they need build a team for the future.

Dwayne Bravo, the highest wicket-taker in T20 history, announced his international retirement on Thursday while legendary batter Chris Gayle also might've played his final game in the maroon shirt. However, it was not a happy end to the format's greats as David Warner's unbeaten 89 powered Australia to a facile eight-wicket win.

"Overall it's been a disappointing campaign. In terms of the batting we have not done well at all. Our bowling has been decent but not good enough. It's the end of a generation, we have some guys who have done good things for T20 cricket in our team and around the world," Pollard said at the post-match presentation.

"We as people are very proud. We have to look at the way we play T20 cricket. What we've seen is that one guy in the top four has to bat as long as possible. Going forward need to do that better. We have to start from a foundation now," Pollard said at the post-match press conference."

Australia captain Aaron Finch praised Warner for his knock that took his team over the line with 22 balls to spare. The Windies started brightly with Evin Lewis scoring 29 off 26 balls, but lost wickets in a heap and were reduced to 91/5 before Pollard (44 off 31) and Shimron Hetmyer (27 off 28) took them to 157/7 in 20 overs.

"It was a really pleasing day. I thought it was going to be a long day the way Evin Lewis played. We held our nerve nicely. The way (Warner) managed his innings, got off to a flyer and allowed Mitch Marsh to get into his innings. He's been a super player for a long time. Can't understand why people doubted him," he said.

Warner said that he was just playing his natural game and praised the bowlers to restricting West Indies to a low total.

"Felt satisfying to be there at the end. The key was to play my natural game. It's about targeting the first two balls and I was able to do that," said Warner.

"(Our bowlers) have been outstanding. We knew they would come out hard against us. We know the firepower West Indies have and got to a very competitive total."

Warner also paid his tribute to Bravo and Gayle, saying he had always looked up to the duo.

"DJ (Bravo) has been a benchmark for all players coming through, and Chris, he's someone I look up to."