Australia thrash West Indies by 125 runs in Melbourne ODI, clinch series 4-0

Melbourne, Feb 19 : Australia on Friday crushed West Indies by 125 runs in the fifth and final ODI at the MCG in Melbourne to clinch the five-match series 4-0.

West Indies’ hopes of a token win in the final match of the series were crushed as the tourists, set an imposing target of 325, were bowled out for 199 inside 37 overs. 

Fast bowlers Doug Bollinger (3-33) and Ryan Harris (2-26) were the chief destroyers as Australia stretched its unbeaten streak to 18 matches across all forms of the game, Sky Sports reports.

Earlier, Australian skipper Ricky Ponting won the toss and elected to bat, which proved out to be a good decision, as the home team posted a formidable 324 for five with the help of half centuries from the captain, James Hopes and Shane Watson.

Ponting struck three fours and a six in a dominant 61 off 55 balls, and put on 102 for the third wicket with Michael Clarke, who scored 47 off 58 balls.

Some late hitting from Hopes (57 not out) and Adam Voges (45 not out) then ensured that Australia surpassed the 320-mark to push the home side to the third-highest ever ODI score made at the MCG.

In the reply, West Indies skipper Chris Gayle once again fell cheaply to Bollinger, and his team never threatened the target.

Darren Sammy top-scored for the West Indies with 47 off 41 balls while  all-rounder Kieron Pollard scored 45 off 51 balls.

Debutant leg-spinner Steve Smith (2-78) claimed his maiden ODI wicket to get rid of Denesh Ramdin, and sealed victory for his side with the final wicket of Ravi Rampaul.

Hopes was adjudged Player of the match for his performance, while Ponting was selected as the Player of the series for some memorable innings during the series.