Posted by Canberra, Australia:
A disastrous batting collapse by West Indies on Tuesday gifted Australia a resounding eight-wicket victory in the final ODI, completing a clean sweep of the three-match series. Australia chased down a meager target of 87 in a mere 6.5 overs, showcasing their dominance throughout the series.
West Indies’ woes began with their batting performance. Xavier Bartlett spearheaded the Australian bowling attack, taking four wickets for just 21 runs. Lance Morris and Adam Zampa chipped in with two wickets each, dismantling the West Indies batting order for a paltry 86 runs in 24.1 overs.
Alick Athanaze, with a lone hand of 32 runs, tried to salvage the innings but was left stranded as wickets tumbled around him. Australia’s bowling attack, led by Bartlett, Morris, and Sean Abbott, kept chipping away at the West Indies’ batting lineup, reducing them to 44 for 4 by the 13th over.
Unfortunately for Australia, debutant Morris suffered a side strain after bowling just three deliveries in his fifth over, adding to their bowling concerns. However, Roston Chase joined Athanaze in a brief fightback, building a 27-run partnership – the highest of the innings. But Athanaze’s dismissal triggered a further collapse, with West Indies losing their remaining six wickets for just 15 runs.
Chasing a paltry target, Australia wasted no time. Openers Jake Fraser-McGurk and Josh Inglis unleashed an aggressive batting display, smashing boundaries at will. Their 67-run opening partnership put Australia firmly in control. While Fraser-McGurk fell for a quickfire 41, Inglis continued his onslaught, along with Aaron Hardie and Steve Smith, eventually guiding Australia to victory in the seventh over.
Brief Scores:
- West Indies: 86/10 (24.1 overs) (Alick Athanaze 32; Xavier Bartlett 4-21, Lance Morris 2-13)
- Australia: 87/2 (6.5 overs) (Jake Fraser-McGurk 41, Josh Inglis 35*; Oshane Thomas 1-7)
Result: Australia won by 8 wickets
Series: Australia wins 3-0
This comprehensive victory marks a dominant performance by Australia throughout the ODI series. They displayed strong bowling and aggressive batting, while West Indies struggled to find their rhythm. The clean sweep will serve as a confidence booster for Australia as they prepare for upcoming challenges.