Australia decimate woeful west indies in 3rd ODI with lightning-quick victory

Australia delivered a crushing blow to a struggling West Indies team in the third One Day International (ODI) match, achieving victory in a mere 6.5 overs on Tuesday. The match, held in Canberra, witnessed a dominant display by the Australian side, with Jake Fraser-McGurk leading the charge with a blistering 41 off just 18 deliveries.

Having already secured wins in the first two ODIs, Australia entered the third match with a clear advantage, while the West Indies sought redemption. However, after winning the toss, Australian captain Steve Smith opted to bowl first on a humid day, a decision that proved pivotal as the West Indies faltered, crumbling to a paltry 86 all out in just the 25th over.

In response, Australia chased down the target with remarkable speed, recording their shortest successful run chase in ODI history with 259 balls to spare, marking a stunning collapse by the West Indies. Smith praised his team’s performance, highlighting the effectiveness of the bowlers and commending the players for seizing the opportunity to excel on the international stage.

Fraser-McGurk’s explosive innings showcased his immense talent, providing a glimpse of his potential in only his second match. Alongside contributions from Aaron Hardie and Josh Inglis, Australia secured a comprehensive victory with eight wickets in hand.

Paceman Xavier Bartlett starred with the ball, claiming 4-21 to add to his impressive debut performance in Melbourne. Despite a side strain forcing Lance Morris to leave the field prematurely, his early breakthroughs set the tone for Australia’s dominant bowling display.

Meanwhile, West Indies captain Shai Hope lamented his team’s batting performance throughout the series, acknowledging the need for introspection and improvement. Despite a resilient effort from Alick Athanaze, who scored a battling 32, the West Indies struggled to counter Australia’s bowling attack, succumbing to a series of quick dismissals.

With the series firmly in Australia’s grasp, the West Indies faced a humbling defeat, highlighting the challenges they must address in order to compete at the highest level of international cricket. As Bartlett polished off the tail with two final wickets, the West Indies’ woes were compounded, emphasizing the magnitude of their defeat in the third ODI.