Gros Islet (Saint Lucia): West Indies’ hopes of a first series win over Australia in 17 years were shattered when the tourists clinched a 30-run victory in a thrilling fifth and final one-dayer.
Chasing a victory target of 282 on Sunday, West Indies came agonisingly close before Australia won to level the series 2-2 with one tie.
From a seemingly hopeless position of 118 for seven, skipper Darren Sammy and all-rounder Andre Russell carved out a record eighth-wicket partnership of 101 off just 59 balls to take their team to 219 with nine overs left.
Sammy, batting at nine, raced to 50 off just 20 balls and was eventually last man out in the 48th over having hit a blistering 84 off 50 deliveries with six boundaries and six sixes.
Russell made 41 off 33 balls before he was out lbw to Xavier Doherty, the Australians succeeding with a review after the batsman had been given not out by the on-field umpire.
Once that red-hot partnership was broken, the Australians were virtually home.
“At one time it looked like we would be chasing 330 but we pulled it back,” said Sammy. “Against the world No. 1, with our backs against the wall, it was a fantastic effort.” (AFP)
