Australia on Friday continued their blistering form in the ODI, beating the West Indies comfortably by 8 wickets in the AUS vs WI 1st ODI. Batting first, West Indies were bowled out for 231. Australia rode on Josh Inglis, Travis Head and Steve Smith’s half centuries to chase the total with more than 11 overs to spare.
Australia were missing several key players in the form of regular captain Pat Cummins, Glenn Maxwell and others but that did not stop the Steve Smith-led side from continuing their dream run in ODIs. Australia won the toss and put West Indies to bat.
The Aussie bowlers struck early to depart both West Indies openers. Keacy Carty, batting at no. 3, scored a gritty 88 but lacked support from other West Indies batters. Even though Roston Chase scored 59 runs, it wasn’t enough. Debutant Xavier Bartlett led Australia’s bowling charge with 4 wickets as West Indies were all-out for 231.
Australia began their chase with a hiccup as World Cup final hero Travis Head departed early. However, fellow opener Josh Inglis and Cameron Green consolidated Australia’s innings with a 79 runs partnership. After Inglis departed at 65, captain Steve Smith joined Green at the crease and took the game beyond the Caribbean side. The duo stitched an unbeaten partnership of 149 run partnership to ensure West Indies had no chance to provide another upset.