Basseterre, April 3: The Australia women’s cricket team concluded their tour of the West Indies with a resounding victory, defeating the hosts by 9 wickets in the third ODI. With this win, Australia clinched the series 3-0. The standout performance came from leg-spinner Alana King, whose exceptional bowling played a crucial role in the match.
West Indies won the toss and opted to bat first, a decision that backfired as they were bowled out for just 136 runs in 35.4 overs. The team started well, with captain Hayley Matthews and Deandra Dottin adding 38 runs for the first wicket. Dottin scored 22 runs off 19 balls before being dismissed, and thereafter, wickets fell at regular intervals.
Matthews contributed 34 runs off 48 balls, while Chenelle Henry remained not out on 42 runs from 54 balls. R. Grimond added 20 runs, helping West Indies reach a total of 136.
Alana King was the star for Australia, taking 5 wickets for just 19 runs in her 10 overs. Ashley Gardner took 2 wickets, while Lucy Hamilton, Nicola Carey, and Tahlia McGrath claimed 1 wicket each.
Chasing a target of 137 runs, Australia achieved it comfortably in 19.4 overs, losing only 1 wicket. Georgia Wareham and Phoebe Litchfield opened the innings with a partnership of 50 runs. Wareham scored 23 runs off 22 balls before being dismissed. However, Litchfield and Ellyse Perry ensured no further wickets fell, finishing the match with an unbeaten partnership of 87 runs.
Litchfield scored 68 runs off 56 balls, hitting 8 fours and 1 six, while Perry contributed 33 runs off 40 balls. The only wicket for West Indies was taken by Ashmini Munisar.
Alana King was named Player of the Match, while Phoebe Litchfield, who scored 191 runs in the series, was awarded Player of the Series.