West Indies Women were comfortably beaten by eight wickets in the third and final One Day International (ODI) against world champions Australia Women at the Junction Oval in Melbourne.
West Indies were bowled out for a paltry 103 runs inside 31.4 overs. Australia chased it down with 207 balls remaining, reaching 106-2 in 15.3 overs.
The visitors got off to a very difficult start as opener Zaida James was dismissed for nought, having faced 15 deliveries. Captain Hayley Matthews got a start but was trapped in front by right arm medium fast bowler Kim Garth on 23 runs, which left the side 28-2 after 7.2 overs.
The next dismissal was the first of two controversial decisions to go against West Indies as the third umpire adjudged Stafanie Taylor out, caught and bowled by Annabel Sutherland, despite the ball looking to have been grounded.
Shemaine Campbell was the second to be given out contentiously as the television umpire stuck with the on-field decision which saw her given out leg before wicket even though the replays showed a clear inside edge off the back which then deflected onto the pad.
Only three batters – Rashada Williams, 25; Matthews, 23; and Cherry Fraser, 19 – reached double figures as the difference in class was reflected in the scorecard.
The defending champions began their chase with a 57-run opening partnership between interim captain Alyssa Healy and Phoebe Litchfield which made the game a formality.
Barbadian fast bowler Shamilia Connell was expensive in her two overs which conceded 15, but got the big wicket of Healy, caught at cover by Fraser for 32 runs. Litchfield (27) was also dismissed playing a loose shot, topping edging a pull shot to James at midwicket.
Ellyse Perry and Beth Mooney made sure there would be no more surprises and got the hosts over the line comfortably, winning the match with 34.5 overs to spare and the series 2-0. (JC)
Summarised Scores: West Indies Women 103 all out in 31.4 overs (Rashada Williams 25, Hayley Matthews 23; Annabel Sutherland 3-23, Alana King 2-20). Australia Women 106-2 in 15.3 overs (Alyssa Healy 32, Ellyse Perry 29). Australia Women win by eight wickets with 207 balls remaining.