Australia defeats West Indies by 83 runs in the second ODI, clinching the series 2-0

Australia destroyed an atrocious West Indies batting line-up and completed an ODI series clean sweep with a record-breaking run chase inside seven overs. However, an injury to promising fast Lance Morris has marred the West Indies’ eight-wicket defeat.

The hosts ripped past their opponents at Manuka Oval, dismissing West Indies for 86 in the 25th over and requiring only 6.5 overs to chase it down. Powerhouse opener Jake Fraser-McGurk put on a show in his brief time at the bat, hammering the West Indian quicks and hitting three sixes in his 18-ball 41.

It was Australia’s quickest ODI run chase in history, surpassing their previous record of 7.5 overs against the United States in 2004.

West Indies began strongly, with Alzarri Joseph (2-74) removing both Australian openers in the first three overs. At one point, the hosts were struggling at 167-7, but Abbott, who came in at number eight, helped steady the innings with a vital stroke of 69 off 63 balls, his second half-century and greatest individual score in ODIs.

Abbott, 31, also claimed three wickets for 40 runs as he and Josh Hazelwood (3-43) made the West Indies hitters battle to settle in, with only Keacy Karty (40) and skipper Shai Hope (29) finding some success with their 53-run fourth-wicket stand.

The West Indies top order struggled against pace in their run chase, much as Australia did at the MCG two days before, romping to an eight-wicket victory. Green and Marnus Labuschagne (26) left Australia on 91-5, but the country’s inexperienced middle order had plenty of batting power. Hardie (26) and Matthew Short (41) put up a half-century stand before Sutherland added 57 runs with Abbott to give Australia a difficult target on a hard surface. Abbott hit two consecutive sixes against Romario Shepherd (2-50) before being tricked by the fast bowler’s slower ball and playing on to his stumps, but his half-century was enough to give Australia a 2-0 series lead.

The last match of the series will be played in Canberra on Tuesday, before both sides engage in a three-match T20 series beginning in Hobart on Friday.

Steven Smith, Australia captain: “It was a nice finish. Challenging start, WI bowled well, was a tricky surface. Late-middle order played well. I thought 250 was about par, then we did really well with ball. Frase looked like he was enjoying himself. Sutho was really good, bashed it on a length. Nice to see them debut. Canberra is a nice wicket.”

Shai Hope, WI captain: “I thought we stuck to our guns with the ball. Must commend our bowlers. 258 wasn’t too much. Challenging wicket, Aussies bowled well. We need to find ways to score more freely. We have to win one, that’s the plan.”

Sean Abbott, Player of the Match: “The situation I found myself in, we had to be risk free. We thought 220 would be competitive but were very competitive with partnerships taking it over 250. It’s a hard attack to get into with the bowlers around. They’re very good to put it lightly. It’s such a good environment that your cricket is moving forward. I’ve been enjoying it. Love getting out there and playing in front of a home crowd. I got only game in the WC, lot of game time before, certainly allowed me to get into the nets and train in different conditions. Staff have helped me train as well. It’s been a pleasure.”