Captain Brian Lara made 87 and opener Chris Gayle hit 79 as the West Indies defeated Australia by three wickets yesterday in the fourth one-day international of the tri-series.
Chasing Australia's 272 for six in 50 overs, West Indies made 273 for seven in 47.2 overs, overshadowing a maiden century -- an unbeaten 109 -- by stand-in Australian captain Mike Hussey.
West Indies are now assured of a place in the final, to be played on Sept. 24.
West Indies were cruising toward victory until Lara got out with the score at 242 for four, which triggered a minor collapse as three more wickets fell for 13 runs. But Dwayne Bravo (37 not out) and Carlton Baugh (7 not out) saw the side safely through for the second win by the West Indies in the tournament.
They had won their first encounter, a rain-shortened match against India, on Thursday, by 29 runs under the Duckworth-Lewis method.
Hussey, who averaged a mind-boggling 77.06 from his 31 one-day innings before yesterday, came to the crease with Australia struggling on 64-4 off 18 overs to pilot his side to a score they can defend.
He was aided by wicketkeeper Brad Haddin, who contributed a quick-fire 70 -- also a career-best -- as they let rip in a partnership worth 166.
Ian Bradshaw was the pick of the bowlers, taking 2-35 off his 10 overs.
The other bright spark for Australia was Matthew Hayden, who scored 49 after a year away from the international one-day game.
Australia has been fiddling with its team selection ahead of the Champions Trophy and Ricky Ponting decided to rest. Hussey won the toss in his first ever game as captain, electing to bat on a hot day.
Hayden opened with Simon Katich and both were tentative.
Katich was the first to go, run out for 22.
The left-hander gave himself room for a drive through extra cover and the batsmen ran an easy two but Katich wanted the third. He charged back but Hayden stood his ground as the throw came in from Bradshaw.
The dismissal brought in Shane Watson. The all-rounder has had a good tournament so far, but his luck ran out yesterday, as he lasted just seven balls.
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