Australia Secure Top Spot With Convincing Win

Australia Secure Top Spot With Convincing Win

Xavier Doherty (right) took four wickets as Australia clinched victory in Saint Vincent

©REUTERS / Action Images

Australia 204-8 (Bailey 48, Bravo 3-48) beat
West Indies 140 (Doherty 4-49) by 64 runs
First One-Day International, Saint Vincent
Scorecard

Australia guaranteed themselves their spot at the top of the ICC One-Day International rankings remain on top maand a $US 175,000 bounty by beating the West Indies by 64 runs in the opening match in Saint Vincent.

Australia will be the number one ranked side at the 1st April cut off date courtesy of a comprehensive performance, bowling the West Indies out for 140 after scoring 204 for eight themselves.

George Bailey made his ODI debut for Australia and marked the occasion by top scoring for his side with 48 while David Warner hit 40.

Michael Hussey (32), Peter Forrest (26) and captain Shane Watson (20) also made contributions. Dwayne Bravo returned three for 58 and Marlon Samuels two for 29 but the West Indies were then unable to impress with the bat.

Samuels made 35 and Bravo 32 before they were reduced to 97 for six, Xavier Doherty returning four for 49.

Captain Darren Sammy struck a quickfire 35 in 20 balls but by then the game was long since over as a contest, Clint McKay and Daniel Christian also grabbing a brace of wickets.

The second game is on Sunday (18th March).

© Cricket World 2012