Associated Press

Hobart, January 9:

The West Indies lost its last six wickets for 18 runs and slumped to a 51-run loss in the return limited-overs cricket match against Australia ‘A’ at the Bellerive Oval.

Chasing 244 to win, the tourists were coasting at 158 for three before Cameron White took a diving catch to remove Ramnaresh Sarwan (35) and trigger the lower order collapse.

Openers Wavell Hinds (53) and Chris Gayle (43) put on 59 runs for the first wicket, the biggest partnership of the West Indies innings.

Earlier, Michael Hussey topscored for Australia ‘A’ with 70, with White contributed 59.

Brett Lee scored 23 for Australia A and returned to take two West Indies wickets and concede 35 runs in 10 overs.

The West Indies lost its tour opener against Victoria state last week in Melbourne before recovering with a four-wicket win on Saturday in the first match against Australia ‘A’.

Brian Lara, who inspired Saturday’s win with an unbeaten 116 from 86 balls, didn’t play on Sunday. He’ll be playing for the World XI against an Asian XI in

Melbourne on Monday in a fundraiser for World Vision’s tsunami relief appeal.

The West Indies open against Australia next Friday in a tri-series limited-overs tournament which also includes Pakistan.