Australia beat West Indies
SYDENY: Australia completed a memorable unbeaten home series of internationals against Pakistan and West Indies with another consummate victory today.
Openers David Warner (67 from 29 balls) and Shane Watson (62 not out off 33) easily reached the target of 139 in their final Twenty20 international against the West Indies. West Indies were restricted to 138-7, and Australia needed just 11.4 overs to secure an eight-wicket win. All-rounder Daniel Christian, 26, took 2-29 on his senior Australia debut.
Australia's bowling attack looked set to bowl the tourists out for barely 100 when Denesh Ramdin was caught behind off Shaun Tait in the 17th over to make it 98-7. Narsingh Deonarine (36 not out) and Darren Sammy (26 not out) injected some much-needed acceleration over the last three overs, but the target was not nearly enough to cause the confident home team any headaches at all. Openers Chris Gayle (12) and Travis Dowlin (31) were the only other Windies players to reach double figures.
But in Australia's reply, Warner hit seven sixes in a brutal display of hitting as he and Watson put on 99 in the first 7.4 overs of the run chase. Paceman Kemar Roach endured a particularly bruising experience, with his two overs costing 33 runs.
Constantly on the go since 26 November, Australia have recorded 17 wins, a draw and a no-result in their 19 matches against West Indies and Pakistan as their post-Ashes renaissance continues to show no signs of ceasing. But Twenty20 captain Michael Clarke warned they would not be overdoing the celebrations.