Australia delivered a commanding performance against the West Indies, securing a nine-wicket victory in the final game of their white-ball series. This win marked the end of a comprehensive series whitewash, with the new captain Sophie Molineux once again resting due to an ongoing back injury.
Alana King, the star leg-spinner, played a pivotal role in the victory by taking 5-19 in her 10 overs. Her performance was one of the standout moments of the match. Meanwhile, opener Phoebe Litchfield led the batting with a brilliant 68 not out, helping Australia reach their target comfortably.
Molineux missed the last two games of the tour, which marked her first as captain. The decision to rest her was made due to her back injury, giving her time to recover before the T20 World Cup, set to take place from June 12 in England and Wales. She is expected to return to training in May, ensuring she is in optimal condition for the upcoming tournament.
Despite missing some matches, Molineux still made a strong impression on the team. Alana King praised her leadership, stating that she is a great character who leads an incredible team. “It’s just a great character who’s leading this incredible team,” King said. She acknowledged the disappointment of Molineux being on the sidelines for a few games but expressed confidence in her ability to return fully prepared for the World Cup.
King’s performance in the match earned her the player of the match award. Her figures were the second-best by a spinner in an ODI, showcasing her effectiveness in the bowling department. The West Indies struggled to keep up with Australia’s dominance, scoring only 136 in 35.4 overs. Chinelle Henry contributed 42 not out, while Hayley Matthews added 34. However, the home side lost its last five wickets for just 21 runs, with King taking three of them.
After Georgia Voll was dismissed for 23, Litchfield partnered with Ellyse Perry (33 not out) to guide Australia to a comfortable total of 137 in 19.4 overs. The partnership was crucial in ensuring the team maintained their momentum throughout the series.
King emphasized the importance of maintaining high standards even in the final game. “We wanted to continue the momentum from the T20s into the ODIs,” she said. She highlighted the team’s commitment to excellence, noting that they aim to be the best in all aspects of the game. “We were very clinical. We nailed our lengths and owned that, then were able to bowl where we wanted to bowl.”
The entire bowling unit played a significant role in the victory, with King acknowledging their collective effort. “To reap the rewards was great, but the whole bowling unit did a really incredible job,” she said.
As the series comes to an end, some members of the team will head to New York for a break, while Alana King looks forward to attending her brother’s wedding. This marks a well-deserved pause for the players after a successful and competitive series against the West Indies.
