The most tipsy topsy match of the World Cup so far. There was a shift of power balance after every ten overs. Though the result and last 5 overs of the game weren’t as exciting as the rest of 95 overs, and it was a terrific comeback by the Australian cricket team.
After winning the toss, West Indies opted to bowl first. They struck early on and removed the dangerous openers Finch and Warner in the space of two overs. Australia lost Khawaja, Maxwell, and Stoinis within the first 17 overs of the match, struggling at 79 for 5.
Watch – Australia Innings (Fall of Wickets)
https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1136695341015797761?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
At 79 for 5, it looked like Australia will be bundled out under 200, and would be an easy chase for West Indies. However, Australia’s never say die spirit kept them in the match. Steve Smith, the only top-order batsman who survived so far, was joined by wicket-keeper Carey. The pair added 68 runs for the 5th wicket in which the bulk of runs scored by Carey (45).
Still, 20 overs were left in the innings, and Australia desperately wanted someone to stay on the wicket and support Smith for a decent score to defend. The number 8, Coulter-Nile swung the match in Australia’s favor by his brutal onslaught. He smashed 92 runs off just 60 balls, helping Australia to reach a score of 288 in 49 overs.
Watch – Australia Innings (Batting highlights)
https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1136696944133365763?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Like Australia, West Indies also didn’t have a great start. They lost the opener Lewis in the second over of the match. Gayle smashed four boundaries before being given LBW by the umpire. Shai Hope and Pooran added 68 runs for the 3rd wicket, the highest partnership for West Indian innings. The West Indies was looked all good till 45th over to win the match.
Watch – West Indian Innings (Batting Highlights)
https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1136704562469974018?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
The West Indian batsmen played too many dot balls and tried to compensate with boundaries. This tactic hurt them a lot as they missed too many singles and lost wickets in trying to take additional risk in hitting boundaries. Especially Russell Arnold threw away his wicket, cost them the match.
Watch – West Indies Innings (Fall of Wickets)
https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1136706086323544065?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
STATS
- Coulter-Nile’s 92 is the highest score by a batsman in World Cup batting at number 8.
- Andre Russell became the 383rd player to reach 1000 runs milestone in ODIs. He is the fastest to reach the milestone – in just 767 balls.
- Chris Gayle became the 18th batsman to score 1000 or more runs in World Cup, and only the third West Indian after Viv Richards and Brian Lara.
- Micthell Starc is the fastest to take 25 wickets in World Cup history. He reached this feat in just 10 matches.
- Mitchell Starc became the fastest bowler to reach 150 wickets in ODIs. He reached the milestone in 77 matches; the previous record was of 78 games by Saqlain Mushtaq.
- Before this match, West Indies were the only team that won more games than they lost against Australia in the World Cup. The head to head record is now even at 5-5.
Australia won the match by 15 runs.