Australia has emerged victorious in their two-game ODI series against West Indies, thanks to an outstanding display by Sean Abbott. The international cricketer delivered a stellar performance, leading his team to an 83-run win at the SCG.

On Sunday, West Indies won the toss and limited Australia to a score of 4-89 by the 16th over, giving them the opportunity to repeat their surprise victory from the second Test last month.

However, number 8 player Abbott saved the team from a difficult situation with his personal best score of 69 runs in the team’s signature green and gold colors. He achieved this by hitting four out of the team’s eight sixes in just 63 balls.

In front of a crowd of 20,025, the 31-year-old led Australia to a score of 9-258 on a wicket that favored the Windies’ spinners. This was a slightly larger crowd than the sparsely attended MCG series opener.

Abbott attributed his success with the bat to Australia’s 2023 World Cup victory and practice sessions with batting coach Trent Woodhill.

“Due to my limited playing time at the World Cup, I was able to take a break and practice with Alex Carey, Marcus Stoinis, and other teammates who also missed some matches,” stated Abbott.

“It was satisfying to receive some benefits this evening during a tense situation.”

Australian all-rounder Abbott (3-40) once again played a crucial role as he helped his team dismiss West Indies for 175 in the 44th over of a slow and often tedious innings. He later described it as his best performance in his 34 One Day Internationals.

He stated that it was a game that he will always remember.

“I gave up a few runs and bowled a ‘noey’ [no ball] there, which was not ideal. However, it was a pleasant evening and I also managed to catch a couple of balls. I am quite pleased.”

The West Indies team had a rough start, losing 3 wickets and only scoring 34 runs. A delivery from Abbott caused Ottley to hit an edge and get out for 8 runs. Carty, who was considered a threat during the match at the MCG, also fell to Abbott’s bowling with a similar outcome, scoring 40 runs before being dismissed.

Abbott made two catches while running, both of which were not easy catches, to aid in getting rid of opener Alick Athanaze (11) and then Romario Shepherd (6). The second catch revealed the weakness of West Indies’ lower order and put Australia in a strong position for winning the game.

Veteran fast bowler Josh Hazlewood (3-43) was brought in for the second game of the series and proved to be effective, marking his return to ODI matches since the World Cup victory last year. He also managed to take out Shai Hope (29), breaking his partnership of 53 runs with Carty.

During his first appearance, Will Sutherland, a versatile player, achieved a score of 2-28.

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The West Indies team was disappointed by their mediocre batting performance, with bowler Alzarri Joseph stating that the target was attainable.

“If you set the goal of keeping Australia’s score below 250 before the 50 overs, you would be satisfied,” he stated.

Unfortunately, Australia’s only negative aspect was that hamstring tightness hindered Matt Short, who contributed a valuable 41 points, from being able to participate in fielding.

He will be observed before the third game in Canberra on Tuesday.

In the beginning, Jake Fraser-McGurk, a highly acclaimed newcomer, was eliminated in the fifth delivery of Australia’s turn at bat, foreshadowing the disarray that would ensue.

Substituting the refreshed Travis Head in the lead position, Fraser-McGurk (10) struck Alzarri Joseph (2-74) for four runs along the ground, followed by a six past the square leg, and ultimately to wicketkeeper Hope via an outside edge.

Cameron Green, aged 33, appeared to be the most at ease among the batters in the top-order, but was eventually caught at mid on.

Initially, he sparked the innings by hitting three consecutive fours off Joseph. Joseph had previously taken wickets for Josh Inglis (9) and Fraser-McGurk (10), who were both caught behind. As a result, Australia’s score dropped to 2-21.

Gudakesh Motie (3-28), the spinner for West Indies, was able to take out the middle order and was considered the top performer among their bowlers. He successfully enticed Aaron Hardie (26) to hit a ball into the air towards mid on, and also caught-and-bowled Short.

Source: theguardian.com