Australia thrashes West Indies by 8 wickets in the third and final ODI at Junction Oval on Saturday. This win sealed a 2-0 series triumph for the home side, who had also clinched the T20I series 2-1 earlier. You can bet on cricket with Uzbekistan bookmaker pin up.
Good start from Australia
After winning the toss, Australia opted to field first, looking to utilize the conditions. Their decision paid dividends as the visitors were bundled out for a meager 103 runs in just 32 overs. Fast bowler Annabel Sutherland was the wrecker-in-chief, finishing with career-best figures of 3/23. She set the tone by striking early, removing dangerous opener Hayley Matthews for 23. Matthews had been the standout batter for West Indies across formats on this tour but Sutherland got the better of her, trapping her lbw.
Apart from Rashada Williams (25 off 71 balls) and Cherry-Ann Fraser (19), none of the other West Indies batters could make any impact. Their captain Stafanie Taylor was dismissed in controversial fashion when she was given out caught off Sutherland’s bowling by the third umpire. Replays were inconclusive but the third umpire overturned the on-field umpire’s initial not-out call. A distraught Taylor walked back for just 4 runs.
Sutherland then triggered a middle-order collapse by taking two more quick wickets. Chinelle Henry (1) and Aaliyah Alleyne (4) were trapped lbw in successive balls as West Indies slumped to 81/7. The lower order could not provide any resistance either as West Indies were skittled out in just over half their allotted overs.
Chasing 104, Australia were dealt early blows when both openers Alyssa Healy (32) and Phoebe Litchfield (27) fell in consecutive overs just when they seemed to be cruising. For a brief moment, West Indies would have sensed a glimmer of hope for an unlikely upset win.
But the experienced duo of Beth Mooney (11*) and Ellyse Perry (25*) quickly dashed those hopes as they knocked off the remaining runs comfortably in just 16 overs. Perry fittingly hit the winning runs, smashing a six off a free hit to complete the 8-wicket thrashing.
Dependence on Matthews West Indies
For West Indies, their batting was once again a huge letdown after showing promise in the T20I series. Dependence on Matthews is not sustainable and others need to provide more support. 103 is their lowest-ever ODI total against Australia and third lowest against any team.
The bowling lacked the penetration to trouble Australia’s deep batting lineup. Anisa Mohammed was the pick with 1/18 from 7 overs. But the others went for too many runs on a flat track to put any scoreboard pressure.
For the home side, this was another dominant performance to continue their winning streak in ODIs which now stands at 25. Sutherland’s career-best 3/23 broke the backbone of West Indies batting. Spinner Alana King supported well with 2/20.
With the bat, Healy and Litchfield gave them a solid start adding 57 for the opening wicket. When both fell in quick succession, Mooney and Perry absorbed the little pressure that was there with a calm and composed unbeaten stand.
The win caps off an excellent limited-overs series for the world champions. They will be further boosted by the return of star all-rounder Ellyse Perry who made a successful comeback from injury. A fully fit Perry adds valuable experience and depth to their already powerful lineup.
Some concerns though for Australia would be the failures of captain Meg Lanning who had low returns. They would hope for her to find form soon with some important domestic tournaments coming up.
For the West Indies, it has been another reality check on the gulf between them and the top teams. Their over-reliance on Matthews remains an issue, they will have to find more depth in their batting. The bowling also needs more variety on flatter decks. With the Women’s World Cup in New Zealand next year, West Indies have much work to do if they harbor any hopes of springing a surprise.
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