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Home » Live Cricket Score » Australia in West Indies, 5 T20I Series, 2021 » commentary

West Indies vs Australia Live Commentary, 4th T20, Australia in West Indies, 5 T20I Series, 2021, July 15, 2021

AUS 189/6 (20)
Australia beat West Indies by 4 runs
WI 185/6 (20)
Match over
Australia Inning West Indies Inning
0.0 : Is it finally time for Finch and co to get a win? Will we see the best of Australia in this game? Yes, the series is done and dusted but this by no means is a dead rubber as there is a lot to gain in terms of confidence and form for this Australian side. The Aussies would love to win the remaining two games and head into the ODI series with momentum. The Windies, on the other hand, would be eager to inflict a clean-sweep but first, we’ll have to see if they can make it 4 in a row. It has b
TOSS - Up goes the coin and it lands in the favor of the visitors! THEY WILL BAT FIRST! Aaron Finch has won his fourth toss in the series!
AUSTRALIA (PLAYING XI) - Matthew Wade (WK), Aaron Finch (C), Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey, Moises Henriques, Ashton Turner, Dan Christian, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Riley Meredith, Jason Behrendorff (In for Josh Hazlewood).
WEST INDIES (PLAYING XI) - Evin Lewis (In for Shimron Hetmyer), Lendl Simmons, Chris Gayle, Andre Fletcher, Nicholas Pooran (WK/C), Andre Russell, Fabian Allen, Akeal Hosein (In for Dwayne Bravo), Hayden Walsh, Sheldon Cottrell, Oshane Thomas (In for Obed McCoy).
Nicholas Pooran starts by informing that they have three changes, Shimron Hetmyer, Dwayne Bravo and Obed McCoy are out while Akeal Hosein, Oshane Thomas and Evin Lewis are in. Adds they want to start well with the ball. Mentions the last game was pleasing for him, he has not been in the best of forms with the bat but is happy to do well in the last game.
Aaron Finch says he hopes for some improvement, they have been outplayed in the last two games but they did well in the first game, they are still confident heading into this game. Mentions the Windies spinners have been bowling really well and have used the conditions really well. Informs that Jason Behrendorff comes in for Josh Hazlewood.
Sheldon Cottrell is down for a chat. he says that fitness has been a key for him, he trains every day, a lot of cardio, he is back now and fit and looking to improve and trying to be consistent. Adds they have some excellent bowlers and the competition is high and it is good to see all the bowlers clicking. Says Gayle is a character, always smiling, the milestone he reached too is not an easy task and he hopes he can keep going.
PITCH REPORT - Samuel Badree says there is a strong breeze, the surface is the same one used a couple of nights ago but this looks drier and the slower balls might hold up and the spinners might get some turn. States the Windies bowlers have been smart and the Aussie batters need to find a way to score off them.
We are set for the action to begin! The players first take the knee to protest against racial discrimination. Matthew Wade and Aaron Finch will open for Australia while Sheldon Cottrell to start with the ball.
0.1 : Sheldon Cottrell to Matthew Wade, Australia and Wade are underway! Angled into the pads by Sheldon, this is worked on the leg side towards mid-wicket for one.
0.2 : Sheldon Cottrell to Aaron Finch, A little bit of inswing for Cottrell this time! Length and around off, this one shapes back in. Finch works it on the leg side and calls for a run initially but then sends his partner back in time.
0.3 : Weather - It is quite humid out there but the game is being played at night so that and the fact that there is some breeze should provide respite to the players.
Sheldon Cottrell to Aaron Finch, BEATEN! Well bowled! Got the last one to come back in and angles this one away from off. Finch pushes at it and is beaten.
0.4 : Sheldon Cottrell to Aaron Finch, Swing and a miss again! Outside off, fuller. Finch slashes but misses. That was there to be hit. Finch misses out.
0.5 : Sheldon Cottrell to Aaron Finch, FOUR LEG BYES! First boundary of the game but it is not off the bat! Finch steps down the track and Cottrell bowls it on a length, it shapes back in. Finch looks to flick but it hits the pad and goes down to the fine leg fence.
0.6 : Sheldon Cottrell to Aaron Finch, WIDE! A really good sharp bumper, Finch lets it go. Wided. Sheldon has bowled really quick so far.
Sheldon Cottrell to Aaron Finch, A single to end a good first over for the Aussies! On middle, this is worked on the leg side for one.
Will we see some spin from the other end? Nope, here comes Oshane Thomas. He is the only bowler in this squad with a 5-wicket haul in T20Is.
1.1 : Oshane Thomas to Aaron Finch, OUCH! That must have hurt! Good start by Thomas! Length, this lands on off and then jags back in. Finch fails to put bat on ball and is hit near the box. He takes a moment for himself and rightly so.
1.2 : Oshane Thomas to Aaron Finch, Finch skips down the track but yorks himself. He jams it down towards mid off for one.
1.3 : Oshane Thomas to Matthew Wade, Back of a length and on off, Wade stands tall and tries to push it through covers but it goes off the inner half of the bat, back to the bowler.
1.4 : Oshane Thomas to Matthew Wade, FOUR! Nicely placed! Good shot! Shorter in length and around off, Wade stands tall and pushes it through covers for a boundary. There is a man in the deep but he hits it well wide of that fielder.
1.5 : Mitchell Marsh walks out to bat now.
Oshane Thomas to Matthew Wade, OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! Thomas has his revenge! Wade walks back for yet another low score. Excellent return into the team for Thomas! This is short and well wide outside off. Wade slashes at it, the extra bounce though takes the edge and it goes to Pooran who takes a good catch. An early wicket for the Windies and they couldn't have asked for a better start!
1.6 : Oshane Thomas to Mitchell Marsh, WIDE! A bumper to welcome the new batter but it is well short. Left alone.
Oshane Thomas to Mitchell Marsh, Shorter and on the body, Marsh looks to flick but misses. Looks like it kisses the shirt on its way to the keeper. End of a successful first over by Thomas.
2.1 : Sheldon Cottrell to Aaron Finch, Really good from Allen! This is on a length and around off, Finch pushes it through covers. Allen in the deep runs to his right, slides and pushes it back in. Saves two for his side.
2.3 : Sheldon Cottrell to Aaron Finch, Shorter and outside off, Finch looks to cut but this one stays low! He is beaten.
2.4 : Sheldon Cottrell to Aaron Finch, Shorter and outside off, this is chopped on the off side for one.
2.5 : Sheldon Cottrell to Mitchell Marsh, On the shorter side again, outside off. Marsh looks to pull but this one too does not bounce as much as Marsh expected it to.
2.2 : Sheldon Cottrell to Aaron Finch, FOUR! Between the first slip and the keeper and into the fence! Lucky boundary! This is a back of a length ball outside off. Finch goes after it away from his body, this goes off the outside edge between widish first slip, Gayle and Pooran, both are ball watching and it goes down to the third man fence. Pooran should have gone for that as he has the gloves. Is that the kind of luck that Finch needs?
2.6 : Sheldon Cottrell to Mitchell Marsh, Drop and run! Back of a length and on off, Marsh plays it towards point for one to get off the mark. There is a direct hit at the batter's end but Finch is well in. Another good over by Sheldon Cottrell, he should have had a wicket in this one.
3.1 : Oshane Thomas to Mitchell Marsh, SIX! That is nailed! Marsh has no problem what so ever with the short ball. He is quick onto the pull shot and dispatches it well over the mid-wicket fence for the first biggie of the game.
3.2 : Oshane Thomas to Mitchell Marsh, FOUR! 10 from the first two balls then! Thomas goes short yet again and Marsh is not holding back, he goes ahead with the pull and hits it behind square on the leg side for yet another boundary.
3.3 : Oshane Thomas to Mitchell Marsh, TWO! Solid from Marsh! Thomas corrects his length and bowls it on a length and around off, Marsh pushes it through covers for two. Thomas has also overstepped! Free-Hit coming up. Thomas is under pressure here. 13 from the first two balls and now a freebie coming up.
Oshane Thomas to Mitchell Marsh, Nothing from the Free Hit! A length delivery outside off, Marsh looks to go over the leg side but does not connect agian. Thomas has overstepped yet again. Oh boy! It is a big no ball too. Marsh has another chance now.
Oshane Thomas to Mitchell Marsh, SIX! Gets hold of this one. Does take full toll of the second one. He is ready for a back of a length delivery here and he gets it. He clears his front leg and muscles it over the long on fence for a maximum. This is turning out to be a momentum-changing over and Marsh is looking on song out there.
3.4 : Oshane Thomas to Mitchell Marsh, FOUR! He is strong on the square of both sides and is also a powerful hitter down the ground. Fuller and on middle, Marsh shows the full face of the bat and times it past mid on. No chance for the fielder to even get a hand on it.
3.5 : Oshane Thomas to Mitchell Marsh, Now eases it down to long on who has been pushed back, for one. Good sensible batting.
3.6 : Oshane Thomas to Aaron Finch, Left alone! Finch wanted a wide there and he is not happy with it not being called! A short one down the leg side, Finch lets it go to the keeper. So a dot to end but the damage was done earlier. 25 runs from the over and Australia are off to a flier!
Andre Russell comes in the attack now.
4.1 : Andre Russell to Mitchell Marsh, WIDE! Well outside off, left alone. Wided.
Andre Russell to Mitchell Marsh, SIX! Clobbered! 50 up in style! That is smart from Marsh! The field clearly indicates that Russell is going to bowl outside off. He steps towards that side, Andre bowls it short and outside off. It is dragged over the mid-wicket fence. Windies under pressure here. Marsh is in the mood. Striking at a strike rate of just below 300.
0.0 : The umpires need to change the ball as this six went to a part of the ground from where it cannot be retrieved.
4.2 : Andre Russell to Mitchell Marsh, Tries to hit it it a little too hard this time! Full and outside off, Marsh goes after it, it goes off the inner half on the leg side for one.
4.3 : Andre Russell to Aaron Finch, FOUR! Finch joins the party now! He covers his stump, aiming to go over the leg side. Russell bowls it full and just outside off. It is hit over mid-wicket for another boundary. Raining boundaries at the moment for the Aussies!
4.5 : Andre Russell to Aaron Finch, Two dots in a row! Full and outside off, Finch reaches out for it. It goes off the bottom towards cover.
4.4 : Andre Russell to Aaron Finch, A rare dot! A low full toss outside off, Finch mistimes it to mid off.
4.6 : Andre Russell to Aaron Finch, Two to end! 14 from this over and 39 from the last two! A full toss outside off, Finch guides it through covers. Allen in the deep does well again as he slides to keep it down to two.
Will Oshane Thomas get another over in the Powerplay? Nope, Akeal Hosein comes in the attack.
5.1 : Akeal Hosein to Mitchell Marsh, FOUR! Fifty-run stand up between the two and it is has come in just 24 balls. Brutal hitting, especially from Marsh who has scored the majority of the runs. They need to keep going though! This is another classy shot. This is tossed up on off, Marsh stays leg side and goes inside out over covers for a boundary.
5.2 : Akeal Hosein to Mitchell Marsh, Shorter and angling into the batter, this is pulled through mid-wicket for one.
5.3 : Akeal Hosein to Aaron Finch, Finch runs down the track and this is fired on his pads, he works it to square leg. He wanted the single but the fielder is very quick to gather the ball.
5.4 : Akeal Hosein to Aaron Finch, Finch is happy to turn the strike over to Marsh! Does that here as he pushes this quicker ball towards cover for one.
5.5 : Akeal Hosein to Mitchell Marsh, Flatter and on middle, Marsh pushes it to covers.
5.6 : Akeal Hosein to Mitchell Marsh, SIX! That is majestic! Wow! Just the extension of the arms and that ends the Powerplay and it is a superb one for the Aussies. They are 72 for 1. This is tossed up on middle, Marsh once again stays leg side and then lofts it over the long off region for a biggie. Beautiful execution of that stroke.
Fabian Allen comes in the attack now.
6.1 : Fabian Allen to Aaron Finch, Shorter and outside off, Finch looks to cut but misses.
6.2 : Fabian Allen to Aaron Finch, Flatter and on middle, this is guided towards point for one.
6.3 : Fabian Allen to Mitchell Marsh, FOUR! That is sloppy from Sheldon Cottrell, Windies are clearly under the pump here. This is fuller and on off, it is driven towards wide long off. Sheldon runs to his left, slides but lets it through. Need to stop these, especially when your team is on the back foot.
6.4 : Fabian Allen to Mitchell Marsh, Flatter and just outside off, Marsh cuts but to point.
6.5 : Fabian Allen to Mitchell Marsh, Tossed up on off, Marsh plays it back to the bowler.
6.6 : Fabian Allen to Mitchell Marsh, Just a single to end! So despite the boundary, it is a good over by Allen! Outside off, this is driven through covers for one. Just 6 from the over.
Finally, Hayden Walsh comes in the attack. This should be an exciting battle between Marsh and Walsh!
7.1 : Hayden Walsh to Mitchell Marsh, Marsh misses out! This is short and down the leg side. Marsh rocks back to pull but misses to get hit on the pads.
7.2 : Hayden Walsh to Mitchell Marsh, Outside off, this is pushed through covers for one.
7.3 : Hayden Walsh to Aaron Finch, SIX! Smashed! Too short and Finch puts it away! He is quick to go onto the back foot and smashes it over the mid-wicket fence for another biggie. There is no stopping these two at the moment.
7.4 : Hayden Walsh to Aaron Finch, Brilliant from Walsh! This is fuller and on middle, it is driven back to the left of Walsh who dives and saves runs for his side. Really acrobatic from Walsh and there are plenty of words of encouragement by Pooran behind the stumps.
7.5 : Hayden Walsh to Aaron Finch, Shorter and this one skids through. Finch pushes it back to the bowler.
7.6 : Hayden Walsh to Aaron Finch, A single to end! On middle, this is pushed down to long on for one. So despite the biggie, only 8 from the over.
8.1 : Fabian Allen to Aaron Finch, On middle, Finch works it through mid-wicket for one.
8.2 : Fabian Allen to Mitchell Marsh, Tossed up nice and slow outside off. Marsh looks to drive but misses.
8.3 : Fabian Allen to Mitchell Marsh, SIX! Fifty up in style for Marsh! What a knock, what a series he is having. However, he has been throwing it away after crossing his half ton, can he go on now? He gets there by hitting this full ball with a straight bat over the long off fence for a biggie.
8.4 : Fabian Allen to Mitchell Marsh, A single now as this is worked through mid-wicket for one.
8.5 : Fabian Allen to Aaron Finch, Another single as Finch guides it to point.
8.6 : Fabian Allen to Mitchell Marsh, On off, this is pushed through covers for one.
UPDATE 2011 Local (0011 GMT) - Now then, the players are making their way off! It was raining for sometime now, the umpires did try to stay out there but they now eventually have to make their way back. The covers are being got on. Let us hope it is just a passing shower and the delay is not a long one.
The rain has stopped and the players making their way out to the middle yet again! Also, Lendl Simmons comes in the attack.
9.1 : Lendl Simmons to Mitchell Marsh, A single now as this is worked through square leg for one.
9.3 : Lendl Simmons to Aaron Finch, SIX! Giving Simmons the ball was probably not the right call. This is shorter in length and on middle, Finch pulls it over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie.
9.4 : Lendl Simmons to Aaron Finch, FOUR! Over Oshane Thomas and if he could not get to that, no one could. Once again it is angling into the pads, not a good ball with fine leg up. Finch looks to pull, it goes over short fine leg for a boundary.
9.2 : Lendl Simmons to Aaron Finch, FOUR! Should be a boundary and is a boundary! On the pads, Finch works it fine down the leg side and it races away to the fence. 100 up for Australia, they have a really good platform laid for a huge total.
9.5 : Lendl Simmons to Aaron Finch, 100-run stand up between the two! Superb partnership, they came together after Wade was dismissed early but they have counter-attacked and the Aussies are in a superb position right now. On middle, this is dragged towards mid-wicket. More off the inner half towards that fielder for one.
9.6 : Lendl Simmons to Mitchell Marsh, A dot to end but still 16 from the over. On off, Marsh looks to push at it, he gets an inside edge onto the pads.
Akeal Hosein comes back on. He went for 12 in his first over.
10.1 : Akeal Hosein to Aaron Finch, Short ball, wide outside off. Wide called as Finch leaves it.
Akeal Hosein to Aaron Finch, Full and wide again. Finch goes for the drive but misses.
10.2 : Akeal Hosein to Aaron Finch, NOT OUT! Short and wide outside off. Finch misses his cut. Pooran appeals for the caught behind but the umpire is unmoved. They review it but there is nothing on Ultra Edge.
10.1 : Review time! Windies have reviewed this for caught behind. There is nothing on Ultra Edge.
10.3 : Akeal Hosein to Aaron Finch, SIX! Top shot! Fuller ball, outside off. Finch drags this all the way over the mid-wicket fence.
10.4 : Akeal Hosein to Aaron Finch, FOUR! 50 up for Finch! He started slowly but is really getting in the groove here! Full and wide again. Finch sweeps it to the square leg fence.
10.5 : Akeal Hosein to Aaron Finch, Shorter ball, outside off. Cut away to point for one.
10.6 : Akeal Hosein to Mitchell Marsh, Short and wide again. Marsh cuts it straight to point now.
11.1 : Hayden Walsh comes back on.
Hayden Walsh to Aaron Finch, Full and wide again. Finch drills it to long off for one.
11.2 : Hayden Walsh to Mitchell Marsh, Fires a full one, outside off. Marsh drags it towards long on for one.
11.3 : Hayden Walsh to Aaron Finch, OUT! BOWLED! Finally, the stand is broken and who other than Walsh to break it? Loopy ball, on off. Finch goes for the sweep but is early in the stroke. The ball kisses the outside edge and a good innings by Finch comes to an end.
Alex Carey walks out to bat.
11.5 : Hayden Walsh to Moises Henriques, FOUR! Punished! Not the ball you want to ball on a hat trick! Full toss, outside off. Moises Henriques thrashes it through covers for a boundary.
Moises Henriques is the new batter.
11.6 : Hayden Walsh to Moises Henriques, Just a single as this is eased down to long on.
11.4 : Hayden Walsh to Alex Carey, OUT! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! Gets two in two and the game has turned in a space of two balls! Walsh does it again for the hosts and is on a hat trick now. Loopy ball, on the pads. Carrey looks to whip it away but chips it straight back to Walsh, who takes it with ease.
12.1 : Andre Russell to Moises Henriques, Short and wide outside off. Moises Henriques runs it down to third man for one.
12.2 : Andre Russell to Mitchell Marsh, Full ball, on off. Marsh hits it down the ground for a single now.
12.3 : Andre Russell to Moises Henriques, Too full and too wide now. Wide called.
Andre Russell to Moises Henriques, Full and wide again but the umpire deems this to be a legal delivery.
12.4 : Andre Russell to Moises Henriques, Bowls it full and wide again. Moises Henriques goes for the drive but misses. Wide called again.
Andre Russell to Moises Henriques, OUT! TAKEN! The wide line works as Moises Henriques has to walk back to the hut! Full and wide again. He looks to hit it over the leg side but finds Fabian Allen at wide long on. Is there another collapse on the cards for the Aussies?
Ashton Turner walks out to bat.
12.5 : Andre Russell to Mitchell Marsh, Full toss, outside off. Marsh pushes it through the off side for one.
12.6 : Andre Russell to Ashton Turner, Full ball, just outside off. Turner hits it to long off for a single.
13.1 : Hayden Walsh to Ashton Turner, Loopy ball, outside off. Drilled to deep cover for one.
13.2 : Hayden Walsh to Mitchell Marsh, Tossed up, around off. Marsh pushes it to covers.
13.3 : Hayden Walsh to Mitchell Marsh, Flatter ball, on off. Marsh punches it to the left of Walsh and gets one.
13.4 : Hayden Walsh to Ashton Turner, Just a single as Turner pushes it to the right of covers.
13.5 : Hayden Walsh to Mitchell Marsh, Fuller ball, on off. Eased down to long off for one.
13.6 : Hayden Walsh to Ashton Turner, Short and wide outside off. Turner goes for the cut but gets the inside edge back on the pads.
14.1 : Andre Russell to Mitchell Marsh, Shorter ball, outside off. Marsh thumps it towards the mid off region for one.
14.2 : Andre Russell to Ashton Turner, Turner shuffles across and paddles this full ball towards fine leg. The fielder chases it and keeps it down to one.
14.3 : Andre Russell to Ashton Turner, Low full toss, wide outside off. Turner finds the fielder at point with his drive.
14.4 : Andre Russell to Ashton Turner, Short and wide now. Cut away to point yet again.
14.5 : Andre Russell to Ashton Turner, Fuller ball, on off. Turner pushes it to short mid off. Excellent bowling by Andre Russell.
14.6 : UPDATE 2046 Local (0046 GMT) Oh on! We have another rain stoppage as the umpires ask for the covers. It is not too heavy and shouldn't be long until play resumes. The covers were on the pitch for not more than 3 mins before coming off as the rain has eased! We should get a resumption soon.
Andre Russell to Ashton Turner, Short and wide outside off. Wide called as Turner leaves it alone. A big grunt by Pooran as he sees the umpire raise his arms.
Right then! The players are heading back to the middle and Andre Russell will continue his over.
Andre Russell to Ashton Turner, Full ball, on off. Turner hits it to long on for one. Just the 5 runs from the over.
Is that a stumping? Looks like it as Nicholas Pooran is very confident! Well, Ashton Turner has already walked back to the dressing room.
15.1 : Dan Christian is the new batter.
Hayden Walsh to Ashton Turner, OUT! STUMPED! Loopy ball, lands on off and turns away. Turner is beaten as he looks to defend and Pooran whips the bails off. The TV umpire is called in and his foot is clearly in the air as the bails were taken on.
15.2 : Hayden Walsh to Dan Christian, Fuller ball, outside off. Dan Christian pushes it past covers for one.
15.3 : Hayden Walsh to Mitchell Marsh, Loopy ball, on off. Marsh gets the inside edge towards the leg side for one.
15.4 : Hayden Walsh to Dan Christian, Shorter ball, on off. Dan Christian taps it towards covers for a quick single.
15.5 : Hayden Walsh to Mitchell Marsh, Just a single as this is pushed past point by Marsh.
15.6 : Hayden Walsh to Dan Christian, FOUR! A boundary to end a wonderful spell by the leggie as he finishes for 27 from his 3 from his 4 overs! Full and outside off. Dan Christian drives it nicely to the cover fence.
Change. Sheldon Cottrell returns. He went for 11 in his first two overs.
16.1 : Sheldon Cottrell to Mitchell Marsh, Full and wide outside off. Wide called.
Sheldon Cottrell to Mitchell Marsh, Full ball, on off. Marsh drags it towards the deep mid-wicket region. They scamper back for the second run.
16.2 : Sheldon Cottrell to Mitchell Marsh, SIX! Maximum after a long time for the Aussies! Shorter ball, on the body. Marsh pulls it over the square leg fence.
16.3 : Sheldon Cottrell to Mitchell Marsh, Back of a length, outside off. Marsh swings very hard at it but misses.
16.4 : Sheldon Cottrell to Mitchell Marsh, Just over! Short ball, outside off. Marsh gets the top edge as he looks to cut it. It goes towards mid on, where Lendl Simmons runs backward but the ball goes over him. A single is taken.
16.5 : Sheldon Cottrell to Dan Christian, Short ball, outside off. Dan Christian plays it towards short third man. Gayle inflicts a direct hit at the batter's end and the ball is deflected but it is still a single as Sheldon Cottrell runs to gather the ball.
16.6 : Sheldon Cottrell to Mitchell Marsh, Out comes the cover drive towards deep cover for a single now.
Hayden Walsh is done with his spell. Fabian Allen is back on. He went for 16 in his first two.
Review time! Nicholas Pooran has reviewed this for caught behind! But Marsh is walking back already!
17.1 : Mitchell Starc walks out to bat.
Fabian Allen to Mitchell Marsh, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! That is good keeping by Nicholas Pooran. Flatter ball, around leg. Marsh goes for the pull but misses. The keeper takes it and goes up straight away. They review it and rightly so as there is a spike as the ball passes the bat. This has been a great comeback by the hosts.
17.2 : Fabian Allen to Mitchell Starc, Shorter ball, outside off. Starc misses his cut.
17.3 : Fabian Allen to Mitchell Starc, Fuller ball, on off. Starc hits it towards long on for one.
17.4 : Review time! Now, Dan Christian has reviewed this LBW decision. There is a spike as the ball passes the bat.
17.5 : Fabian Allen to Mitchell Starc, Fuller ball, on off. Mitchell Starc hits it to long on for one.
17.6 : Fabian Allen to Dan Christian, A dot to finish as Dan Christian pushes it back to the bowler. Just 2 runs from the 18th over!
17.4 : Fabian Allen to Dan Christian, NOT OUT! Fuller ball, on middle. Dan Christian looks to clip it away but gets hit on the pads. The umpire raises his finger but Dan Christian reviews it. A good review as there is some bat on that one.
18.1 : Sheldon Cottrell to Mitchell Starc, Yorker, on the pads. Starc pushes it to long on for one.
18.2 : Sheldon Cottrell to Dan Christian, Misses out on that one! Full toss, outside off. Dan Christian gets no bat on it.
18.3 : Sheldon Cottrell to Dan Christian, A wide yorker now. Dan Christian punches it to covers and a midfield allows the single.
18.4 : Sheldon Cottrell to Mitchell Starc, FOUR! Nice innovation! Full ball, on middle and leg. Starc goes across the line and gets low to paddle it over the short fine leg fielder for a boundary.
18.5 : Sheldon Cottrell to Mitchell Starc, Hits the deck on a length, outside off. Starc pushes it to covers for one.
18.6 : Sheldon Cottrell to Dan Christian, Length ball, outside off. Dan Christian gets it from the inner half of the bat towards long on for a single.
19.1 : Fabian Allen to Dan Christian, Fires a full one, on the pads. Dan Christian heaves it towards deep mid-wicket for a couple.
19.2 : Fabian Allen to Dan Christian, SIX! Hammered! A nice friendly full toss, on middle. Dan Christian says thank you very much and sends the ball sailing over the mid-wicket fence.
19.3 : Fabian Allen to Dan Christian, Well bowled. Fires a full one, on the pads. Dan Christian gets hit on the pads as he looks to sweep it away.
19.4 : Fabian Allen to Dan Christian, FOUR! Excellent batting! Dan Christian shuffles to the leg side as he knows that Allen will bowl on the pads. He then hits it inside out over the covers for a boundary.
19.5 : Fabian Allen to Dan Christian, Fuller ball, on off. Dan Christian cannot get under it and drills it to long on for one.
19.6 : Fabian Allen to Mitchell Starc, Dot to finish but still 13 from the over! Short and wide outside off. Starc misses his cut shot. Australia end at 189 for 6!
A strong show with the bat comes to an end by the Aussies! Yes, at one point they looked well on course to get past the 200-run mark but they will be mighty pleased with their effort and would have taken 189 at the toss when they chose to bat first.
The visitors have to thank Marsh and Finch for getting to the total they have got to. The two added 114 runs in 10 overs after Wade went early. Both scored half tons. Marsh though was the aggressor and Finch went along his merry way. Once the skipper fell though, the Aussies kept losing wickets at regular intervals and couldn't deal with the spin of Walsh. They went from 126 for 1 to 146 for 5.  A handy cameo though from Christian right at the end has taken them to a very good total.
The Windies' bowling was about two halves. They were pounded in the first ten but came back strongly after that. They went for more than 110 in the first ten but went for less than 80 in the second half. Walsh was once again the pick as he took 3 wickets in his 4 overs. Allen and Cottrell were also impressive as they kept things quite tight. Thomas took a wicket but was quite expensive in the Powerplay. Overall, they pulled things back quite well but it is not what Pooran would have wanted giv
Right then! Now the target is a big one, the Aussie batters have done their job and have given their side a real chance to win. It is now on their bowlers to deliver against a good batting line up of the Windies. The wicket is a decent one so we can be in for an exciting second half. Stay tuned as the chase is coming up shortly!
We are all set for the chase! The Australian fielders have taken their respective positions. Lendl Simmons and Evin Lewis will open the batting for West Indies. Mitchell Starc to start with the ball.
0.1 : Mitchell Starc to Lendl Simmons, Some swing! Full ball, lands on middle and nips back in. Simmons is hit on the pads as he looks to flick. A subdued appeal as the ball was heading down the leg side.
0.2 : Mitchell Starc to Lendl Simmons, Back of a length, outside off. Pushed to covers.
0.3 : Mitchell Starc to Lendl Simmons, Full ball, on off and swinging back in a touch. Simmons pushes it back to Starc.
0.4 : Mitchell Starc to Lendl Simmons, FOUR! Lendl Simmons and West Indies are underway with a boundary! Length ball, outside off. Simmons clears his front leg and hits it over mid off. The ball runs to the fence.
0.5 : Mitchell Starc to Lendl Simmons, Low full toss, outside off. Simmons punches it to covers but a midfield allows them to take a couple before the fielder chases it down.
0.6 : Mitchell Starc to Lendl Simmons, Back of a length, on the pads. Clipped to the leg side for one. 7 from the first over!
Riley Meredith to start from the other end.
1.1 : Riley Meredith to Lendl Simmons, Length ball, on the pads. Simmons whips it away but Zampa does well at short fine leg to save a boundary.
1.2 : Riley Meredith to Lendl Simmons, SIX! Thumped! A length ball, in the slot. Simmons clears his front leg and hits it over the mid-wicket fence.
1.3 : Riley Meredith to Lendl Simmons, FOUR! Expensive start by Riley Meredith! Slower length ball, on the pads. Simmons swipes it to the square leg fence.
1.4 : Riley Meredith to Lendl Simmons, FOUR! Powered away and Riley Meredith is under pressure! Back of a length, on off. Simmons pulls it to the mid-wicket fence.
1.5 : Riley Meredith to Lendl Simmons, Slower length ball, on off. Simmons clips it to leg side and asks Lewis to play his first ball.
1.6 : Riley Meredith to Evin Lewis, Back of a length, around off. Punched to covers. 15 from the over!
Jason Behrendorff comes in the attack now.
2.1 : Jason Behrendorff to Lendl Simmons, Length ball, on off. Simmons gets hit high on the pads as he looks to flick it. Matthew Wade dives forward to take it. Jason Behrendorff appeals, presumably for the LBW but it is turned down.
2.2 : Jason Behrendorff to Lendl Simmons, Back of a length, on middle. Simmons flat bats it to the stumps at the other end.
2.3 : Jason Behrendorff to Lendl Simmons, Slower length ball, on the pads. Simmons chips it towards deep mid-wicket for one. No ball called as Jason Behrendorff has overstepped.
Jason Behrendorff to Evin Lewis, FOUR! Just over! A slower full toss, outside off. Lewis hits it just over the man at mid off for a boundary.
2.4 : Jason Behrendorff to Evin Lewis, Fires a length ball, on the pads. Lewis gets hit on the pads as he misses his pull.
2.5 : Jason Behrendorff to Evin Lewis, Slower length ball, on middle. Lewis clips it towards short fine leg for one.
2.6 : Jason Behrendorff to Lendl Simmons, FOUR! Almost takes out the umpire with that shot! Lendl Simmons comes down the track and hammers it down the ground. The umpire moves to his left just in time and allows the ball to run to the fence.
Dan Christian comes in the attack now.
3.1 : Dan Christian to Evin Lewis, Slower length ball, outside off. Lewis carves it towards backward point.
3.2 : Dan Christian to Evin Lewis, FOUR! First boundary for Lewis! Short ball, outside off. Lewis pulls it over mid-wicket. The ball has enough legs to trickle to the fence.
3.3 : Dan Christian to Evin Lewis, FOUR! Just over the fielder! Short and wide again. Lewis hits it just over the leaping mid on fielder for a boundary.
3.4 : Dan Christian to Evin Lewis, Has to reload as he sprays this one wide outside off.
Dan Christian to Evin Lewis, Full and wide now. Wide called. But the plan now seems to be to stay way outside the arc of Lewis.
Dan Christian to Evin Lewis, SIX! Tonked! Length ball, outside off. Lewis says thank you very much and hits it straight down the ground for a maximum.
3.5 : Dan Christian to Evin Lewis, SIX! 50 up in no time and they seem to be in a hurry to finish things off! Dan Christian bowls a short one, on off. Evin Lewis pulls it over the fine leg fence now.
3.6 : Dan Christian to Evin Lewis, 23 from that over! Full ball, on off. Lewis hits it down to long on for one.
Adam Zampa comes in the attack now!
4.1 : Adam Zampa to Evin Lewis, Flatter and quicker, outside off. Lewis fails to get any bat on it.
4.2 : Adam Zampa to Evin Lewis, FOUR! Different bowler, same result! Tossed up, on middle. Lewis hits it over mid on for a boundary.
4.3 : Adam Zampa to Evin Lewis, Quicker ball, on the pads. Lewis clips it to the leg side for one.
4.4 : Adam Zampa to Lendl Simmons, Loopy ball, on off. Simmons hits it towards long on, on the bounce though.
Chris Gayle walks out to bat.
4.5 : Adam Zampa to Evin Lewis, OUT! TIMBER! First wicket for Zampa in the series and what a time to get it! A quicker ball, on off. Lewis looks to cut it away by backing away to the leg side but gets no bat on it. The ball clips the off pole and the Aussies get their first wicket!
4.6 : Adam Zampa to Chris Gayle, Just 6 runs and a wicket from that over! Full ball, outside off. Gayle pushes it towards cover and a dive by the fielder stops the attempted run.
5.1 : Mitchell Starc to Lendl Simmons, Driven nicely but for no runs! Fuller and on off, it is stroked nicely but to mid off.
0.0 : Mitchell Starc is back on. He went for 7 in his first over.
5.2 : Mitchell Starc to Lendl Simmons, EDGY FOUR! West Indies won't care! This is full and on middle, Simmons looks to jam it out, it was a yorker actually. It goes off the outside edge past short third man for a boundary.
5.3 : Mitchell Starc to Lendl Simmons, Lovely from Starc! Bowls a yorker again and just outside off. Simmons fails to jam it out this time.
5.4 : Mitchell Starc to Lendl Simmons, Pacey stuff! Goes short now and outside off, Simmons slashes but is beaten for pace. Quite risky that delivery with third man in the ring. Simmons just needed to connect.
5.5 : Mitchell Starc to Lendl Simmons, FOUR! Straight down the ground! This was right in the slot! Full and on middle, Simmons powers it down the ground for yet another boundary.
5.6 : Mitchell Starc to Lendl Simmons, WIDE! Slips this one down the leg side, Simmons looks to flick but misses. Wided.
Mitchell Starc to Lendl Simmons, FOUR! Zampa lets it through and the extra ball has cost Starc and Australia! 13 from the final over of the Powerplay and it has been West Indies who are cruising along. They are 75 for 1 and need only 115 now in 84. A yorker on off, Simmons looks to jam it out, it goes off the inside edge towards Zampa at short fine leg. He dives over it and it races away to the fence. Starc is not happy and rightly so.
6.1 : Riley Meredith to Chris Gayle, Gayle is off the mark as he guides it down to third man for one.
6.4 : Riley Meredith to Lendl Simmons, A dot! Australia need a lot more of these! A yorker outside off, it is jammed out towards point.
6.5 : Riley Meredith to Lendl Simmons, Yet another dot! Would have been a wide had he left it alone! A low full toss outside off, Simmons reaches out for it, it goes off the bottom edge towards the keeper.
6.6 : Riley Meredith to Lendl Simmons, A single to end then! So 10 from this one, runs continue to flow after the Powerplay too. Another yorker outside off, it is hit through covers for one.
Mitchell Marsh comes in the attack.
6.2 : Riley Meredith to Lendl Simmons, FOUR! That is not good bolwing! Especially with no fine leg. Simmons gets into position early to play the paddle scoop. Riley bowls a low full toss on the pads, it is worked fine on the leg side for a boundary.
6.3 : Riley Meredith to Lendl Simmons, FOUR! This is outstanding stuff from Simmons! Just brilliant! This is quite wide outside off. Simmons still manages to move there and scoop it over the square leg fielder for another boundary.
7.2 : Andre Fletcher walks out to bat now.
Review time! Andre Fletcher has reviewed this LBW decision. There is a big inside edge on that one, no need for Ultra Edge to confirm it.
8.1 : Adam Zampa to Lendl Simmons, On middle, this is worked through mid-wicket for one.
7.6 : Adam Zampa is back on. He went for 6 in his first over and also took a wicket.
8.2 : Adam Zampa to Andre Fletcher, Outside off, Fletcher is off the mark as he strokes it through covers.
8.3 : Adam Zampa to Lendl Simmons, Flatter and on off, this is pushed through covers for one.
8.4 : Adam Zampa to Andre Fletcher, The googly, it lands on off and then turns back in! It is played back to the bowler.
8.5 : Adam Zampa to Andre Fletcher, Another dot! On off, Fletcher guides it to point.
8.6 : Adam Zampa to Andre Fletcher, Back-to-back good overs for the Aussies! On off, Fletcher pushes it to covers.
7.1 : Mitchell Marsh to Lendl Simmons, A slower one to begin with! This one stays a touch low. It is worked through mid-wicket for one. Fifty for Simmons, he has been exceptional so far! Showed wide range of strokes but he needs to continue, still a long way to go.
7.2 : Mitchell Marsh to Chris Gayle, OUT! TAKEN! That is some take by Jason Behrendorff! Wow! Gayle does not last for long this time and Marsh comes on and strikes. He did it with the bat and now gets the big man. He bowls it full and wide outside off. Gayle looks to drag it over long on and hence, does not get the desired connection. It goes flat towards the fielder there who leaps, sticks both hands upwards and takes a stunner. Australia need to keep picking wickets if they are to win this game
7.3 : Mitchell Marsh to Andre Fletcher, NOT OUT! There is a huge inside edge! Even the Ultra Edge is not checked and hence, Fletcher reviewed it straightaway. This starts on off and then tails back in. Fletcher hangs back to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads. An appeal and the finger is raised. Fletcher reviews it straightaway. Replays roll in and it shows a clear inside edge. He survives.
7.4 : Mitchell Marsh to Andre Fletcher, Good length, slightly fuller, this is pushed back to the bowler.
7.5 : Mitchell Marsh to Andre Fletcher, Back of a length and on off, Fletcher plays it to point. This is a superb over so far, can he end it well?
9.1 : Mitchell Marsh to Lendl Simmons, 100 needed now! On the pads, this is worked through square leg for one.
9.2 : Mitchell Marsh to Andre Fletcher, FOUR! Thumped! That is right in the slot for Fletcher! This is full and on middle, it is lofted over the bowler's head for a boundary. This should probably get him going now.
9.3 : Mitchell Marsh to Andre Fletcher, Another dot! Fletcher is 5 from 10 balls. Outside off, this is guided to point.
9.4 : Mitchell Marsh to Andre Fletcher, Sees Flecther come down the track and drags his length back and also follows the batter. Fletcher defends it backt o the bowler.
9.5 : Mitchell Marsh to Andre Fletcher, Somehow gets bat onto that one! This is short and on middle, this stays a little low. It is pulled through square leg for one.
9.6 : Mitchell Marsh to Lendl Simmons, Fletcher wanted two but just the one! Shorter and on middle, this is pulled through mid-wicket for one. So 94 is what the Windies need in the last 10.
10.1 : Adam Zampa to Lendl Simmons, Tossed up, outside off. Simmons thumps it to sweeper cover for one.
7.6 : A huge appeal for an LBW but turned down! Australia review. The impact seems outside off.
10.2 : Adam Zampa to Andre Fletcher, NOT OUT! Loopy ball, around off. Fletcher looks to play it on the leg side but the ball stays low and hits in on the pads. Australia decides to review this one as the appeal is turned down but the impact is outside off.
7.6 : Mitchell Marsh to Andre Fletcher, He does so brilliantly and this is just the kind of over Australia needed! A run and a wicket from it. Another slower one on off, it is pushed to covers. 104 needed in 72.
10.3 : Nicholas Pooran walks out to bat now!
10.4 : Adam Zampa to Nicholas Pooran, Beaten! A nice googly, around off. Pooran is beaten as he looks to defend.
10.5 : Adam Zampa to Nicholas Pooran, Flatter ball, on off. Blocked out. Can Zampa finish strong here?
10.6 : Adam Zampa to Nicholas Pooran, Yes, he does! Just the one run and a wicket from the over! Shorter ball, outside off. Pooran cuts it to point.
10.3 : Adam Zampa to Andre Fletcher, OUT! BOWLED! No need to go upstairs for that one as Adam Zampa ends Andre Fletcher's struggle! Flatter ball, on off. Fletcher looks to pull it away but the ball once again stays a bit low and sneaks under his bat. It goes and hits the off pole. 93 needed in 57 now!
11.1 : Jason Behrendorff to Lendl Simmons, Full toss, on the pads. Simmons clips it to deep square leg for one.
0.0 : Jason Behrendorff is back! Went for 11 in his first but this is a good time for him to bowl. Can he grab a wicket for his side?
11.2 : Jason Behrendorff to Nicholas Pooran, Slower length ball, outside off. Blocked out by Pooran. The dots will increase the pressure now.
11.3 : Jason Behrendorff to Nicholas Pooran, Another slower one, this is full and on middle. Pooran defends it.
11.4 : Jason Behrendorff to Nicholas Pooran, Full ball, outside off. Pooran hits it to long off for a single.
11.5 : Jason Behrendorff to Lendl Simmons, Swing and a miss! A slower one, down the leg side. Simmons looks to pull it by coming down the track but the ball goes under his bat.
12.1 : Riley Meredith to Lendl Simmons, Full and wide outside off. Simmons carves it to deep point for one.
11.6 : Riley Meredith is back! 2-0-25-0 so far for him.
12.2 : Riley Meredith to Nicholas Pooran, Slower length ball, on the pads. Pooran clips it to fine leg for one. The required run rate is touching 11.5 now!
11.6 : Jason Behrendorff to Lendl Simmons, Fires a full one, on leg. Simmons backs away to the leg side and plays it to long off for one.
12.3 : Riley Meredith to Lendl Simmons, Another dot and that will increase the pressure! Wide yorker and Simmons fails to get any bat on it.
12.4 : Riley Meredith to Lendl Simmons, Nails the yorker, on the pads. Simmons leaves it alone thinking that the umpire will call it a wide but the umpire is unmoved.
12.5 : Riley Meredith to Lendl Simmons, Brilliant execution by Riley Meredith! He nails the wide yorker and Simmons once again gets no bat on that.
12.6 : Riley Meredith to Lendl Simmons, He sees Simmons come down the track so fires a wide one. A bit too wide for the umpire's liking as he raises his arms now.
Riley Meredith to Lendl Simmons, FOUR! Edged and a much-needed boundary for the hosts! Riley Meredith misses his length a touch and bowls a full one, wide outside off. Simmons gets the outside edge as he swings hard it. The ball runs to the third man fence.
13.1 : Mitchell Marsh to Nicholas Pooran, Short ball, outside off. Cut away to point.
0.0 : Marsh is back on! He has been brilliant so far. It will be interesting to see if he does ball all of his 4 overs.
13.2 : Mitchell Marsh to Nicholas Pooran, Full and wide now. Pooran slaps it away towards the fence. But Moises Henriques runs to his left and dives to save two runs.
13.3 : Mitchell Marsh to Nicholas Pooran, SIX! Mighty blow! Back of a length, outside off. Pooran moves to the off side and hammers it over the wide long on fence.
13.4 : Mitchell Marsh to Nicholas Pooran, Length ball, outside off. Pooran drags it off the inner half to the leg side for one.
13.5 : Mitchell Marsh to Lendl Simmons, Slips one down the leg side. Wide called.
Mitchell Marsh to Lendl Simmons, Simmons comes down the track so Marsh follows him with a length ball. Eased down to long on for one.
13.6 : Mitchell Marsh to Nicholas Pooran, FOUR! 15 from the over and a good one for Windies! Full and wide outside off. Pooran just carves it to the point fence. 68 needed from the last 6.
14.1 : Adam Zampa to Lendl Simmons, Flatter ball, outside off. Cut away to point.
14.2 : Adam Zampa to Lendl Simmons, SIX! As long as Simmons is out there, West Indies remain in control! Comes down the track and sends it sailing over the long on fence.
0.0 : Change! Adam Zampa to bowl out. He went for 10 in his first 3 and took 2 wickets.
14.4 : Adam Zampa to Lendl Simmons, Darted down the leg side. Simmons gets hit on the pads while looking to flick it.
14.5 : Adam Zampa to Lendl Simmons, Shorter ball, outside off. Cut away to deep point for one.
14.3 : Adam Zampa to Lendl Simmons, Hits it over the bowler's head and runs back for the second.
14.6 : Adam Zampa to Nicholas Pooran, Just a single as this is eased to long on. Just 20 runs and 2 wickets for Zampa in the spell!
15.1 : Mitchell Marsh to Nicholas Pooran, Swing and a miss! A dot, dots are what will build pressure! Another delivery which stays a touch low. Outside off, fractionally short. Pooran swings but misses.
15.2 : Mitchell Marsh to Nicholas Pooran, OUT! TAKEN! Marsh is the man for the Aussies. Both, with the ball and the bat. To be honest we here thought this is a gamble as he went for plenty in his last over but he gets the Windies skipper. Clever bowling, he keeps it full and wide outside off, making Pooran reach out for it. NP should have looked to go over the off side but instead tries to go downtown but since he was reaching out for it, it goes off the bottom. It goes towards long off where Ch
Andre Russell walks out to bat!
15.3 : Mitchell Marsh to Lendl Simmons, OUT! TAKEN! Two-in-two and that is career best figures for Marsh! He is also on a hat-trick! Also, this is the wicket Australia needed. It is of the well set Simmons. Now Austraila well and truly on top. 58 needed in 27. This is shorter in length and it is angling into the body, Simmons is cramped for room but tries to pull. It goes more of the higher part this time, it is also against the wind. Moises Henriques at deep mid-wicket runs to his right and take
Fabian Allen will face the hat trick ball.
15.4 : Mitchell Marsh to Fabian Allen, No hat-trick but a dot! On middle, this is kept out.
15.5 : Mitchell Marsh to Fabian Allen, Another dot! On off, this is pushed to covers.
15.6 : Mitchell Marsh to Fabian Allen, Just a single to end! This could well be the over which wins Australia the game! Just the 1 run and two wickets from it. 57 needed in the last 4. On off, this is guided towards point for one.
Jason Behrendorff is back on. He went for 14 in his two overs.
16.1 : Jason Behrendorff to Fabian Allen, A low full toss on middle, it is hit down towards long on for one.
16.2 : Jason Behrendorff to Andre Russell, A crisp drive to begin! Just a single though, singles won't harm the Aussies! Full and outside off, it is driven through covers for one.
16.3 : Jason Behrendorff to Fabian Allen, Dots are gold dust! A well-disguised slower one, fuller and outside off. Allen is early in the swing as he tries to hit it over mid-wicket but misses.
16.4 : Jason Behrendorff to Fabian Allen, Really well bowled! The game is now slipping away from the hosts! Another beautiful slower one, fuller and around off. Allen swings but gets an inside edge onto the pads. It rolls on the off side for one.
16.6 : Jason Behrendorff to Andre Russell, No, just a single! This is short and on middle, Russell pulls it hard, it races away towards deep square leg for only one. 47 needed in 18 now. 10 from the over which means it is a good one for the Aussies.
16.5 : Jason Behrendorff to Andre Russell, SIX! Russell uses all of his muscle to clear the fence there! This is not a bad delivery, it is full and on middle, Russell stays deep in his crease and whips it well over the long on fence for a welcome biggie. Can he now get one more and end the over strongly?
16.6 : Mitchell Starc is back on. He went for 20 in his first two.
17.1 : Mitchell Starc to Andre Russell, That is brilliant comeback from Carey! This is fuller and outside off, Russell swings, it goes off the outer half towards deep cover. The ball bounces and spins away a long way from Carey as he is deceived, it is going towards the ropes. Carey is wrong-footed but recovers well, dives and then saves two for his side.
17.2 : Mitchell Starc to Andre Russell, A low full toss, not easy to hit those! This is hit towards long off who gets across to his right quickly and keeps it down to a single. Need boundaries, singles won't do it.
17.3 : Mitchell Starc to Fabian Allen, How has that missed the stump? What a delivery. A pin-point yorker on off, Allen swings but misses. The ball lands and then moves away, goes just past the off pole.
17.4 : Mitchell Starc to Fabian Allen, FOUR! Off the outside edge and over short third man! This is frustrating for Starc! We have seen quite a few boundaries go in that area during his lowing. A low full toss outside off, Allen goes after it, it goes off the outside edge over short third man for another boundary.
17.5 : Mitchell Starc to Fabian Allen, FOUR! Stand and deliver stuff! He even held the pose for the cameras! What a stroke! This is fuller and on off, Allen stands tall and lifts it elegantly over extra cover for another boundary.
17.6 : Mitchell Starc to Fabian Allen, A dot to end so 11 from the over which is not bad by Starc keeping the context of the game in mind! A full toss outside off, Allen looks to go over mid off but misses. He may have sighted it late. It was a full toss and he would probably feel he missed out. 36 in 12 needed which means six sixes. Not a big deal for Russell right?
18.1 : Riley Meredith to Andre Russell, SIX! There is one of them! 5 more needed! This is a tremendous shot. Also, that is one of the flatest sixes seen. A low full toss on middle, this is thumped down to the long on fence, it goes all the way. Riley under pressure now. Perfect start to the penultimate over for the Windies.
0.0 : Riley Meredith to bowl the penultimate over. He has gone for 32 in his first three.
18.2 : Riley Meredith to Andre Russell, Good comeback! Goes full and just outside off, Russell looks to muscle it but it goes off the inside edge towards square leg for one.
18.3 : Riley Meredith to Fabian Allen, SIX! Allen clears the ropes now and two sixes from the first three balls! The game is well and truly still on. 23 needed in 9. This is a gift, a full toss on off, Allen does not miss out as he heaves it over the long on fence.
18.4 : Riley Meredith to Fabian Allen, SIX! Make that three in four balls! Just the 17 needed in 8. Have to back the Windies from here. Meredith bowls a slower one but the length is short. Allen has enough time to pick it, he waits and then smashes it over the mid-wicket fence. Meredith under huge, huge pressure. He needs to bowl 2 good deliveries, needs to give Starc at least 14.
18.5 : Riley Meredith to Fabian Allen, SIX! 4th biggie in the over and just 11 needed now. Riley Meredith has been taken to the cleaners. This is the best one of the lot. Outside off, fuller. This is carved over the point fence for another maximum. Can Allen make it 5 in the over?
The ball needs to be changed now as Allen has hit it to the part of the ground from where it cannot be retrieved. Meanwhile, Aaron Finch and Dan Christian are having a word with the bowler.
18.6 : Hayden Walsh walks out to bat. Who will bowl the final over? Both Starc and Behrendorff have one left. Aaron Finch has gone with Starc to defend 11 from these 6 balls.
What an exciting finish it was and Australia have held their nerves to win this one. Their first win of the series and they will be pleased with this!
West Indies got a good start with Simmons and Lewis providing with early fireworks. But Lewis fell and that changed things. Gayle could not last long and Fletcher went back for a timid score after struggling for a while. Still, they were in control with Simmons playing a good knock in the middle. They did struggle in the middle overs as the bowlers took the pace off the ball and Zampa bowled really well. They lost Pooran and Simmons of consecutive balls which meant that they had two new batters
Earlier in the game, Finch and Marsh batted really well to give Australia a very strong platform. At one point, they looked like they would get over 200 but Walsh led the comeback for the hosts and restricted them to 189. In the end, it was enough as Australia won by 4 runs!
Australia were under the pump in the first few overs but Zampa broke through to get them back in the game. Marsh then took the wicket of Gayle to ease things further. The bowlers bowled really well in the middle overs as they bowled quite a few slower ones and yorkers to make it difficult for the Windies' batters. Zampa finished with 2 wickets for just 20 runs in his two overs and then Marsh took another 2 wickets in the 16th over and ended his spell with just 24 runs for his 3 wickets. They ha
Mitchell Marsh is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH, says that he wanted to go on after getting to his half-ton, they have had a chat about it and they needed someone to go onto score a big one. States it is always nice to get a couple of wickets and they defended really well against a good Windies side. Adds they had enough, 190 was above par, the wicket got slower as the game went on but the Windies' side came hard and they are pleased they could defend it.
Nicholas Pooran, the West Indies skipper, says that they didn't start properly and let the batters get away from them. About Thomas, says that he started really well but it was unfortunate that was hit for runs in the Powerplay. Adds that he is a young guy and will learn from it. About their batting, says that they needed to bat well in the middle overs and credits Starc for how he bowled. Finishes by saying that Walsh has been very impressive.
Aaron Finch, the Australia skipper, says that it is really good to get a win against West Indies. Adds that Marsh got off to a flier so he took the backseat and tried to take his time. Mentions that the rain breaks were short so that didn't hamper their concentration. Adds that they bowled really well in the middle. Further adds that Starc bowled an excellent last over and he knew if he executes his plans then it will be difficult for the batter to hit him for runs.
Right then! That is all we have for you from this exciting game of cricket! The series has already been won by West Indies but there is still one more game to go. The last game will be played on 16th July at 1930 Local (2330 GMT). So do join us for that. Till then, take care and goodbye!
Riley Meredith to Fabian Allen, OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! An anti-climatic end to the over as Allen has edged one to the keeper. 11 needed then from the final over. A superb hand by Fabian. He has surely done his job. He had to go for another one and he does try to do that. Riley bowls it full and outside off. Allen reaches out for it, it goes off the outside edge and the keeper takes it. A wicket to end but the damage was done earlier on. 25 from it.
19.1 : Mitchell Starc to Andre Russell, Nails the low full toss, on the pads. All that Andre Russell can do is push it towards long on. Dot ball as he denies the single. Excellent blowing by the experienced bowler.
19.2 : Mitchell Starc to Andre Russell, Russell does not take the single! He wants to do it himself and rightly so. Starc though bowls this full again and on the pads, difficult to hit those over the ropes, it is heaved towards deep mid-wicket.
19.3 : Mitchell Starc to Andre Russell, Three dots in a row! The next one has to go to the fence! Another low full toss on the pads, Russell once again hits it to the man at deep mid-wicket.
19.4 : Mitchell Starc to Andre Russell, 4 dots in a row! Now the next one has to go for a biggie or at least a boundary for Windies to stay in the game. Brilliant from Starc! From around the wicket, he is cramping Russell for room by angling it into the pads, Russell swings but misses to get hit on the pads. He is bowling with a lot of pace. Not easy to hit those.
19.5 : Mitchell Starc to Andre Russell, In the air... has that gone all the way? No, it lands in the park, just ahead of deep mid-wicket and Russell still does not run which means, Australia just need to bowl a legal delivery to win the game. This is a full toss, a knee-high full toss but at a tremendous pace. Russell swings, it goes off the splice up in the air but lands ahead of deep mid-wicket. So if no extras, Australia will win it.
19.6 : Mitchell Starc to Andre Russell, SIX! This one goes over the ropes but it won't matter as AUSTRALIA HAVE WON THE GAME BY 4 RUNS! This is full and on middle, Russell heaves it over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie. A huge roar of joy from the Australians. Take a bow, Starc, you have defended 10 against one of the biggest hitters in the world. Pretty sure very few would have bet against Russell from getting those runs. The tall left-armer though has rose to the occasion and GIVEN THE AUS