Windies Snatch Defeat

Australia 9/279 (50 overs) defeated West Indies 201 all out (34.3 overs) by 78 runs - Scorecard

In a match reminiscent of the 1996 World Cup Semi Finals, Australia snatched victory after it seemed that the West Indies were coasting to an easy run chase. Both teams seemed rusty after extended layoffs however Australia kept the pressure up even when the Windies were riding high.

The West Indian bowling, though tight at times, lacked consistency and this was evident in the 18 wides that were bowled. Jacques and Katich never looked comfortable, and while the latter went on to score 36, he scratched around for most of the innings. Ponting and Clarke provided the highlight of the innings but the rest of the Australian batsman seemed rusty. On what seemed an easy batting wicket Australia would have been disappointed to not score in excess of 300.

The fact that Glenn McGrath has been off for an extended period was proven when he bowled 4 wides in his first over. Leading an attack that lacked the sheer pace of Lee, McGrath soon found his rhythm and the nagging line outside off stump. The West Indians looked to be coasting to victory even as late as the 25th over, but then suffered a collective brain explosion to lose the last 9 wickets for a mere 29 runs. The Australian bowling was anything but spectacular, but targetted deliveries with a committed fielding effort proved to be the difference. Sarwan and Lara fell to predictable dismissals and would be disappointed with their efforts.

Australia proved yet again, that you can never write them off and they prepare more thoroughly for every opposition and for every game than any other team.