Australia defeated West Indies by 58-runs in the final to lift the Caribbean tri-series cup on Monday. Wicketkeeper Wade struck an unbeaten 57 off 52 balls to push Australia to a competitive total of 270-9. Josh Hazlewood claimed 5 wickets for 50 as the hosts were bowled out for 212 in 45.4 overs.
Wicketkeeper Wade struck an unbeaten 57 off 52 balls to push Australia to a competitive total of 270-9. Allrounder Mitchell Marsh scored 32 runs and took 3-32 to help undermine the West Indies’ chase, and paceman Hazlewood claimed 5-50 as the home team was bowled out for 212 in 45.4 overs.
West Indies skipper Jason Holder (2-51) took the early wicket of Usman Khawaja (14) as Australia batted first after winning the toss. The left-hander edged a flashing drive to wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin.
Opener Aaron Finch, who struck six fours and a six in making 47 off 41 balls, holed out to deep midwicket off the medium pace of Kieron Pollard, while George Bailey (22) deflected a Carlos Brathwaite delivery back onto his stumps to make it 120-3.
When Shannon Gabriel (2-58) removed captain Steve Smith (46) and Glenn Maxwell (4) in the same over, the West Indies were on top, with Australia teetering at 156-5.
However, they got a blistering start from Johnson Charles and Andre Fletcher, who added 49 for the first wicket. But Hazlewood gave Aussies the crucial breakthrough as he sent Fletcher marchingand Marsh then ripped through the top order by removing Darren Bravo Marlon Samuels and Charles to leave the host reeling at 72-4.
Denesh Ramdin, Kieron Pollard and Holder staged a fight but Australia always had the scoreboard edge. The bowlers kept claiming crucial wickets and in the end, Steve Smith and co. emerged victorious by 58 runs.
