Australia took the ODI series with a comprehensive six-wicket win over West Indies in the third and last ODI of the series. In a low-scoring contest, Australia rode on Matthew Wade’s unbeaten 51 to chase down 153 in 30.3 overs.
Kieron Pollard lambasted the Kensington surface after his side side failed to cross 200 in three attempts. In contrast, Ashton Agar, adjudged Player of the Match, enjoyed the pitch; he added that he would like to play more such games where ball dominated bat.
After Pollard opted to bat, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc were probing with their line and length, and gave absolutely nothing to the West Indies openers to free their arms. Hazlewood began with a maiden, and used short-pitched deliveries to good effect.
Evin Lewis almost edged one to Alex Carey before getting knocked down while attempting to pull in the same over. He had to leave the ground. Shimron Hetmyer, who replaced him, could only manage 6 before being bowled by Hazlewood. That opened the floodgates, and the West Indies kept losing wickets regularly.
Lewis returned to bat later in the innings, and notched up a half-century. He scored 55 in 66 balls, and helped West Indies reach the face-saving total of 152. Starc ended with three wickets, while Adam Zampa, Agar and Hazlewood picked up two wickets each.
Australia got off a nervy start as both openers, Josh Philippe and Moises Henriques, failed to make any impact. Alex Carey (35) and Mitchell Marsh (29) tried to steady the innings before the third wicket fell on 66.
Wade and Agar then ensured an easy victory without further damage. Wade remained uneaten on 51, while Agar (19) played a perfect foil from the other end.
Brief scores: West Indies 152 in 45.1 overs (Evin Lewis 55*; Mitchell Starc 3-43) lost to Australia 153/4 in 30.3 overs (Matthew Wade 51*; Alzarri Joseph 1-14) by 6 wickets with 117 balls to spare. Player of the Match: Ashton Agar.
Australia won the series by 2-1. Player of the series: Mitchell Starc.