West Indies suffered a humiliating eight-wicket defeat to Australia last night at the Manuka Oval in Canberra, Australia.
In the One-Day International (ODI) that lasted just 31 overs, West Indies were sent in to bat and were promptly bowled out for 86 runs in 24.1 overs – their fifth lowest ODI score ever. The hosts chased it down in just 6.5 overs, ending on 87-2. Australia’s rapid victory wrapped up the 3-0 series win but it also meant this was the shortest men’s ODI ever to be played in Australia.
For the second time in the series, Shai Hope’s men were sent in to bat under bleak skies and seaming conditions. The visitors made one change from their 83-run defeat in the second ODI: Justin Greaves was replaced by Grenadian batsman Teddy Bishop who was making his debut. In challenging conditions, right-arm fast bowler Xavier Barlett continued his great start to international cricket with his second four-wicket haul in as many matches. Only opener Alick Athanaze offered any semblance of resistance with his fortunate knock of 32 from 65 balls before he was eventually caught at long leg off the bowling of Adam Zampa. Extras was the next highest scorer with 13 and there were double-digit scores for Kasey Carty (10) and Roston Chase (12).
Australia began the chase with the aggressive intent that made them world champions once more, taking 11-runs off the first over and 16 off the second. Opener Jake Fraser-McGurk was particularly aggressive, racing to an 18-ball 41 with four boundaries and five sixes. He took a particular liking to Barbadian medium fast bowler Matthew Forde, smashing his second over of the day for 24 runs with one six crashing into the second tier. At the other end, Josh Inglis would not be outdone, finishing on 31 runs not out from 16 deliveries. There were consolation wickets for Alzarri Joseph and Oshane Thomas, who dismissed Fraser-McGurk and Aaron Hardie before captain Steve Smith knocked off the winning runs.
West Indies will now focus on the upcoming three-match T20 series against Australia which begins on Friday, February 9, at the Bellerive Oval in Hobart, Australia.
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