Australia’s Record-Breaking 6.5 Overs Chase Leads to 8-Wicket Victory and Series Sweep

Xavier Bartlett took four wickets as Australia defeated West Indies by eight wickets in the third and final ODI on Tuesday. With this win, Australia clinched the three-match series 3-0. West Indies struggled, scoring only 86 runs in 24.1 overs, including a collapse of 6-15 in Canberra. Bartlett played a key role, taking four wickets. Only one West Indies player scored more than 12 runs. Australia chased down the 87-run target in just 6.5 overs. Openers Jake Fraser-McGurk and Josh Inglis easily handled the West Indies’ bowling attack. This quick run chase became Australia’s fastest successful chase in men’s ODIs. It was the sixth-shortest men’s ODI in history, with Australia bowling out West Indies in just 186 balls. However, Australia faced a setback as Lance Morris left the field with a side strain during his fifth over. West Indies’ innings witnessed chaos as Morris claimed key wickets in a frenzied 15-ball sequence. Alick Athanaze managed 32 runs, but the team faced a dire situation at 7-73. Bartlett concluded the innings with impressive figures of 4-21. Fraser-McGurk’s aggressive play saw him amass 41 runs before falling victim to Alzarri Joseph. Inglis and captain Steve Smith efficiently achieved the target, securing victory with an astonishing 259 balls to spare. Australia’s remarkable 12th consecutive ODI win sets the stage for the upcoming T20 series against West Indies in Hobart.