An inspired bowling effort and resolute half-centuries under pressure from Nicholas Pooran and Jason Holder pushed West Indies to victory over Australia in the second ODI in Barbados and level the three-match series 1-1 on Saturday (July 24).
Chasing a modest 188-run target, West Indies slipped to 72/5 after an opening burst of high skill and incisiveness from left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc (3/26). Shai Hope (38) held the fort firm for a while amidst the home team’s collapse, but soon he was also dismissed.
It is then that former skipper Holder joined young Pooran for an excellent 93-run sixth-wicket partnership. The two players struck impressive half-centuries – Pooran 59* and Holder 52 – to help the Calypso Kings overcome trouble waters and eventually reach the goal post with 12 overs remaining.
Apart from Starc, wrist-spinner Adam Zampa (2/43) and part-timer Ashton Turner (1/37) were also among the wickets for Australia. But with not enough runs to defend, the visitors needed a better all-round bowling effort if they were to achieve victory.
Earlier in the game, pacers Alzarri Joseph (3/39) and Sheldon Cottrell (2/29) and Holder (1/41) ran through Australia’s top six, reducing the tourists to just 45/6 at one stage. Matthew Wade (36), Zampa (36) and Wes Agar (41) showed some good fight in the middle but even their efforts weren’t enough to ensure the visitors reach a more competitive total.
Apart from the pacers, left-arm spinner Akeal Hossain (3/30) also delivered an impressive spell for West Indies, where his control and precision was rewarded with three scalps. Wrist-spinner Hayden Walsh (1/32) kept a tight leash on run-scoring as well from an end and contributed a wicket to his team’s cause.
With their victory, West Indies not only kept the series alive ahead of the decider on Monday (July 26) but also earned what could be 10 very crucial points in the ICC Super League.
Brief scores
Australia 187/10 in 47.1 overs (W Agar 41, Zampa 36, Hossain 3/30, Alzarri 3/39) lost to West Indies 191/6 in 38 overs (Pooran 59*, Holder 52, Starc 3/26, Zampa 2/43) by four wickets.
