West Indies Beat Australia After Five Years

West Indies won their first ODI against Australia when they chased down a Duckworth/Lewis-adjusted target of 158 from 40 overs, in 38.2 overs. This is their first win after a run of 13 losses that started in 2006.

West Indies began their chase disastrously, with Kieran Powell shouldering arms to an incoming Brett Lee delivery which caught him plumb in the front. When Darren Bravo fell in the 19^th over, West Indies were in a precarious situation having lost 4 wickets for 74. But Kieron Pollard lusty hitting and Dwayne Bravo’s steady batsmanship got West Indies very close to the total before Baugh took them past the finishing line after Bravo’s wicket. Pollard was especially in a murderous mood as he clobbered Australian bowlers for 4 sixes, one of which came in dying stages on the match.

Earlier in the day, a delayed start and a 90 minute rain interruption meant that only 40 overs a side was possible. While at least four Australian batsmen: Warner, David and Michael Hussey, Bailey got starts, but none of them could make a noteworthy score. First Roach, who took three wickets and later Narine, who took four wickets, ensured that Australia’s total was always under check.

The victory for West Indies means that the five-match series is tied at 1-1.