In an exciting encounter at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australia asserted their dominance over the West Indies in the opening match of the ODI series. The hosts ended up registering a comfortable triumph with eight wickets in hand.
West Indies’ batting struggles
Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, Australia’s decision paid dividends as they restricted the visitors to 231 runs in 48.4 overs. The West Indies batting lineup faced a stern test against the disciplined Australian bowling attack. Despite a valiant effort from Keacy Carty, who scored a resilient 88 runs off 108 balls, the rest of the batting order failed to capitalize on starts.
Roston Chase‘s contribution of 59 runs off 67 deliveries provided some stability, but the West Indies ultimately faltered as wickets fell at regular intervals.
Xavier Bartlett’s bowling masterclass
Xavier Bartlett emerged as the pick of the Australian bowlers, wreaking havoc with his impressive figures of 4 wickets for just 17 runs in 9 overs. Supported by Sean Abbott, Cameron Green, and Adam Zampa, the Australian bowling unit exhibited superb control and consistency to keep the West Indies batters in check throughout the innings.
Steve Smith, Cameron Green lead Australia’s clinical chase
Chasing a target of 232 runs for victory, Australia showcased their batting prowess with a commanding display. Wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis set the tone with a brisk innings of 65 runs off 43 balls, laying a solid foundation for the chase. All-rounder Green’s patient knock of 77 runs off 104 balls and skipper Steve Smith‘s composed 79 runs off 79 balls ensured that Australia cruised to victory with 8 wickets in hand and 11.3 overs to spare.
Despite their best efforts, the West Indies bowlers struggled to contain the Australian batters on a batting-friendly surface. Gudakesh Motie managed to pick up a wicket, but the rest of the bowling attack failed to make significant inroads into the Australian batting lineup.
Also WATCH: Xavier Bartlett bowls an absolute peach to dismiss Justin Greaves in 1st ODI – AUS vs WI
Here is how Twitter reacted:
Player of the match is Xavier Bartlett, on debut! #AUSvWI pic.twitter.com/yVYYVtRj67
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) February 2, 2024
Steve Smith: 79*(79)
Cameron Green: 77*(104)
Josh Inglis: 65(43)
Xavier Bartlett: 9-1-17-4
Australia defeated West Indies by 8 wickets in the first ODI – proper dominance by World Champions. pic.twitter.com/kCykPlKoDV
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 2, 2024
A solid third-wicket partnership between Cameron Green and Steve Smith helps Australia race to a win in the first ODI 👏#AUSvWI: https://t.co/oZ5N7OXZQc pic.twitter.com/CExozgrBF7
— ICC (@ICC) February 2, 2024
That’s a decent seed from Xavier Bartlett for your first international wicket #AUSvWI
— Andrew McGlashan (@andymcg_cricket) February 2, 2024
People were all over the Wild thing but Xavier Bartlett came to play on debut!
Not bad Xavier, not bad.. 😤#AUSvWI pic.twitter.com/malp4Lm6eB
— Lachy (@Lachy_Steele) February 2, 2024
Thank You BBL for Xavier Bartlett, Best Talent hunt T20 league itw.
— Arnold (@Neyfiction) February 2, 2024
Xavier Bartlett finishes with the second-best figures by an Australian on ODI debut, only behind current selector Tony Dodemaide
— Oliver Caffrey (@ollycaffrey) February 2, 2024
X Bartlett 3/8 bouncy outswingers . Bowls one inswinger/Outsiner to Anthanaze and gets wicket. 👏 👏 #DebutDoorwayToDeparture#AusvWI
— Damien Fleming (@bowlologist) February 2, 2024
Steve Smith has 100% win percentage as a captain in ODIs in 2024. pic.twitter.com/IoUUVPrmfM
— Rafi (@rafi4999) February 2, 2024
Steve Smith’s last 6 ODI innings in Australian soil :-
79(79)*
21(16)
94(114)
80(78)*
105(131)
61(94)
Mr. Consistent 🌟 pic.twitter.com/4bvcIXcmU0
— JustMyThoughts (@shaibal_27) February 2, 2024
Steve Smith in his last two innings 91* and 79*. That 91* has probably triggered the start of his peak phase. This is the most comfortable I’ve seen him bat in a long time!
— Troll cricket unlimitedd (@TUnlimitedd) February 2, 2024
With the ball: 8-0-40-2.
With the bat: 77*(104).
What a All-round performance by Cameron Green against West Indies in the first ODI match – Brilliant, Green. pic.twitter.com/q85G0w9sod
— CricketMAN2 (@ImTanujSingh) February 2, 2024
Cameron Green’s outstanding all-round performance in the first ODI against West Indies:
8-0-40-2 with the ball and an unbeaten 77 off 104 with the bat.
Brilliant show by Green! 🌟 pic.twitter.com/0Vps1sPqNw
— Yogesh Yadav (@yogeshydv03) February 2, 2024
Also READ: AUS vs WI 2024 – West Indies’ best playing XI for the ODI series against Australia
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