Sean Abbott starred with both bat and ball for Australia as they completed a series win over West Indies with an 83-run win at the SCG on Sunday, February 4.
The Australian team, coming off a resounding victory in the first match in Melbourne, where they won by eight wickets, looked to consolidate their lead in the series.
The day began with the West Indies winning the toss and electing to bowl first. The Australian side made several changes to their lineup, resting Travis Head, Lance Morris, and Xavier Bartlett. In their stead, Jake Fraser-McGurk and Will Sutherland were handed their international debuts, while veteran Josh Hazlewood returned to the fold.
The match started with the West Indies displaying a more disciplined bowling performance compared to their outing in Melbourne. Their efforts were complemented by sharp fielding, which helped them contain the Australian batsmen. Gudakesh Motie, the left-arm spinner, was particularly effective, claiming three crucial wickets for just 28 runs. Fast bowlers Alzarri Joseph and Romario Shepherd also contributed significantly, picking up two wickets each.
AUS vs WI 2nd ODI: Highlights
Abbott powers Australia to 258 with 69 off 63 balls
Australia’s innings had a rocky start with debutant Jake Fraser-McGurk, who replaced Head, failing to capitalize on his opportunity. Despite hitting a four and a six, he was dismissed on his fifth ball, edging the ball to wicketkeeper Shai Hope off Joseph’s bowling. Josh Inglis, too, fell shortly after for nine runs, leaving Australia in a precarious position early in the game.
The responsibility then fell on the shoulders of Steve Smith and Cameron Green, who had previously anchored Australia to victory in the first ODI with an unbeaten 149-run partnership. However, this time around, they could not replicate their heroics. Smith was dismissed for a chop-on by Matthew Forde for just 5, and Green, after a promising start, lofted a catch to mid-on off Oshane Thomas’ bowling for 33 runs.
Marnus Labuschagne and Aaron Hardie attempted to stabilise the innings but were unable to convert their starts into significant scores, falling victim to Motie’s spin.
Matt Short provided some resistance with a gritty 41, but it was Sean Abbott who became the linchpin of the Australian innings. His entertaining knock of 69 off 63 balls, only his second one-day half-century, included a vital 57-run partnership with Sutherland.
Abbott’s late flurry helped Australia reach a competitive total of 258 for 9 at the end of their 50 overs, setting the West Indies a target of 259 to win.
Hazlewood, Abbott pick three wickets each to run through West Indies
The West Indies innings got off to the worst possible start as they lost 3 wickets for just 34 runs. Shai Hope and Keacy Carty were looking to steady the innings with a 53-run stand. However, Hazlewood would deliver an absolute beauty that left Hope stunned and cleaned him up.
Abbott would then get his second wicket of the day in the form Carty, who was looking dangerous. Will Sutherland chipped in to get the wicket of Romario Shepherd. Hazlewood marked his return to the side with his third wicket as he trapped Matthew Forde in front of the stumps as West Indies found themselves in all sorts of trouble at 134 for 7.
Joseph played an entertaining cameo of 19 before Sutherland was able to end his stay at the crease. Abbott would complete his fine day’s work with the scalp of Roston Chase to extinguish the last hope for the visitors before Zampa finished things off.
Abbott was adjudged as the player of the match for his 69 and 3 for 40 in 10 overs.
The third ODI between both sides will be played on February 6 as Australia aim to complete a clean sweep.
