Aussies level series despite Sammy heroics

West Indies' hopes of a first series win over Australia in 17 years were shattered when the tourists clinched a 30-run victory in a thrilling fifth and final one-dayer.

Chasing a victory target of 282 yesterday, West Indies came agonisingly close before Australia won to level the series 2-2 with one tie.

From a seemingly hopeless position of 118 for seven, skipper Darren Sammy and all-rounder Andre Russell carved out a record eighth-wicket partnership of 101 off just 59 balls to take their team to 219 with nine overs left.

Sammy, batting at nine, raced to 50 off just 20 balls and was eventually last man out in the 48th over having hit a blistering 84 off 50 deliveries with six boundaries and six sixes.

Russell made 41 off 33 balls before he was out lbw to Xavier Doherty, the Australians succeeding with a review after the batsman had been given not out by the on-field umpire.
Once that red-hot partnership was broken, the Australians were virtually home.

"At one time it looked like we would be chasing 330 but we pulled it back," said Sammy.
"Against the world No. 1, with our backs against the wall, it was a fantastic effort.

"Today again the top order didn't click but we can still put runs on the board. We have a 'never say die' attitude. I think we should have won the series."

Australian captain Shane Watson admitted there was still work to be done ahead of a two-match Twenty20 series which starts here on Tuesday.

"Darren Sammy ran us close," said Watson. "We hoped to get up around 300 but thought we'd done enough. There are a few things we have to work on but we're going the right way."