BASSETERRE, St Kitts — Alana King delivered a spell of precision and control that dismantled West Indies and propelled Australia Women’s National Cricket Team to a commanding nine-wicket victory, sealing a clean sweep of the One Day International (ODI) series.
The leg-spinner’s remarkable return of five wickets for 19 runs from her full allocation of 10 overs triggered a dramatic collapse, as West Indies squandered a promising start to be bowled out for 136 in the third and final ODI.
Early promise turns to sudden collapse
After winning the toss, Hayley Matthews opted to bat and, alongside Deandra Dottin, provided a steady foundation with a 38-run opening stand.
At that stage, the hosts appeared well-positioned. However, the momentum shifted decisively when stand-in Australian captain Tahlia McGrath introduced King into the attack.
King struck swiftly, removing Matthews for 34 after the West Indies captain misjudged extra bounce and sliced a drive to cover, where Georgia Voll completed the catch.
Moments later, the innings unraveled further when Jannillea Glasgow fell for a duck, brilliantly caught by Georgia Wareham. The collapse left West Indies reeling at 78 for five, with King at the center of the damage.
Lower-order resistance proves insufficient
Despite the turmoil, Chinelle Henry (40 not out) and Realeanna Grimmond (20) mounted a brief resistance, pushing the total toward respectability.
But King returned to extinguish any lingering hopes, completing her third five-wicket haul in ODIs. Afy Fletcher and Karishma Ramharack both fell as the innings closed at 136, with Ash Gardner providing support with two wickets.
Australia’s response was swift and decisive. Phoebe Litchfield anchored the innings with a composed 68 not out from 56 deliveries, while Ellyse Perry added an unbeaten 33 to guide the chase.
Although Voll departed for 23 after holing out off Ashmini Munisar, the visitors had already surged ahead, racing past 50 inside nine overs.
From there, the outcome was never in doubt, as Australia cruised to the target in just 19.4 overs, capping a flawless white-ball tour with six wins from six matches.
Momentum builds toward global stage
With the Caribbean tour concluded in emphatic fashion, Australia now shifts focus to preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup in England this June.
A three-match T20 series against South Africa lies ahead, offering one final opportunity to fine-tune a squad that has once again demonstrated its depth, balance, and relentless efficiency.
For West Indies, the series served as a harsh reminder of the standards required at the highest level, standards Australia continues to set with authority.
