Sean Abbott's All-Around Brilliance Leads Australia to an 83-Run Victory over West Indies
Australia Takes Commanding Lead in the Series with Abbott's Impressive Performance
In the second one-day international of the series, Sean Abbott showed off his all-around abilities and led Australia to an 83-run victory against the West Indies on Sunday.
As the West Indies won the toss and chose to field, Abbott struck better than a run-a-ball 69 to lead Australia to a challenging 258/9 at his home stadium.
After striking during the batting Powerplay, the tall fast bowler claimed the crucial wicket of Keacy Carty, who led the way with 40 runs, in his return over. With that wicket, he finished with 3/40 as the Windies were held to 175 all out in 43.3 overs.
"We anticipated that 220 would be competitive, but we outperformed 250 through partnerships," Abbott said. "That's an excellent assault from Australia. It's such a pleasant setting. It's been fun for me. I like performing in front of my hometown audience.
Similar to what happened at the MCG two days earlier when Australia easily won the first game by eight wickets, the West Indies top order faltered while trying to chase down runs.
Abbott had the West Indies reeling at 34/3 within the first ten overs after he made a fantastic catch at mid-off when Alick Athanaze attempted to go hard at Aaron Hardie and Jason Greaves was smartly taken over his head by debutant Will Sutherland.
Carty and skipper Shai Hope (29), who perished in Josh Hazlewood's (3/43) and Abbott's return sessions, rebuilt the chase with a 53-run stand. The captain of the West Indies was out of his off stump when a stunning ball from Hazlewood nibbled back at him.
Sutherland concluded with a score of 2/28, and in his last over, Adam Zampa caught No. 10 Gudakesh Motie leg before wicket to end the West Indies' hesitant batting.
Prior to Abbott's career-best ODI catch saving the day, Australia's top-order batsmen were unable to conceal strong beginnings.
Short scores: Gudakesh Motie 3/28, Matthew Short 41, Sean Abbott 69, Australia 258/9 in 50 overs. West Indies 175 in 43.3 overs (Josh Hazlewood 3/43, Sean Abbott 3/40; Keacy Carty 40). Australia prevailed by 83 runs.
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