MELBOURNE: Australia comfortably secured an emphatic eight-wicket victory over the West Indies in the opening one-day international in Melbourne on Saturday. Skipper Steve Smith and Cameron Green showcased their prowess, forming a formidable partnership of 149 runs. Smith remained unbeaten on 79 from 79 balls, while Green contributed a solid 77 not out off 104 deliveries. Australia chased down the target of 232 with ease, finishing the game with 11.3 overs to spare.
Josh Inglis provided a blazing start with a quickfire 65 off 43 balls, laying the groundwork for Australia’s triumph with 10 fours and a six. The victory marked Australia’s 10th consecutive ODI win, maintaining their dominant form from their recent World Cup triumph in India. With the pressure mounting on the West Indies to avoid a series whitewash, Australia’s victory seemed inevitable.
Debutant paceman Xavier Bartlett stole the show with figures of 4-17 off nine overs, earning him the man of the match award. Bartlett’s impressive performance, including a wicket in his third delivery, reflected his potential on the international stage. Reflecting on his achievement, Bartlett expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to play alongside stalwarts like Steve Smith.
Green reached his half-century off 62 balls, complementing Smith’s steady innings as Australia cruised towards victory. Inglis’s aggressive fifty off just 28 balls provided further momentum before his dismissal attempting a reverse-sweep.
Earlier in the match, Keacy Carty’s promising innings was cut short on 88 runs due to a run-out miscommunication with Hayden Walsh. Bartlett and fellow paceman Lance Morris made significant contributions, with Bartlett’s swing bowling causing trouble for the West Indies batsmen.
Adam Zampa broke a crucial partnership by dismissing Roston Chase, who fell for 59 runs. However, Carty’s run-out frustration added to the West Indies’ woes as they fell short of a competitive total.
Looking ahead, the second ODI is scheduled to take place at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Sunday, with Australia aiming to continue their winning streak.
