WEST INDIES snatched two early wickets but Australia were making a confident reply in their chase for victory in their Ballr Cup tri-nation series match at Kensington Oval today.
Defending a total of 282 for eight, West Indies removed both Australia openers in successive overs but the visitors recovered to reach 85 for two after 15 overs.
At the start, West Indies found it difficult to contain Usman Khawaja and Adam Finch, the pair adding 35 without little bother in 4.3 overs.
The Caribbean side briefly held the initiative when Carlos Brathwaite had Finch (17) caught at mid-on and debutant fast bowler Shannon Gabriel produced a beauty that induced the left-handed Khawaja (17) into edging a catch to wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin.
There was no more success for the home team as George Bailey (29) and captain Steve Smith (21) repaired the damage in an unbroken third wicket partnership of exactly 50.
Earlier, West Indies fought back from 31 for three thanks to Marlon Samuels’ 125 and Denesh Ramdin’s 91. They featured in a record fourth wicket partnership of 191.