Once those two settled in, Australia never looked like taking it back.
In Bridgetown on Saturday, the West Indies pulled off a four-wicket win over Australia with a full 12 overs still unused — a margin that told the story of a chase that, once it found its footing, never really looked in doubt.
The match had already been delayed two days. A COVID-19 case inside the West Indies camp pushed the originally scheduled Thursday fixture back, and when play finally got underway, Australia's innings began in a way that suggested the hosts might have an easy afternoon. Ben McDermott was gone off the fourth delivery of the day with just one run on the board, and by the time Ashton Turner was bowled by Akeal Hosein, Australia had lost six wickets for only 45 runs.
What followed was a lower-order rescue act that gave the match its shape. Matthew Wade and Adam Zampa each contributed 36 runs, but it was number ten Wes Agar who did the most damage, top-scoring for Australia with 41 off 36 balls. That late hitting pushed the total to 187 — a modest target, but one that suddenly looked more meaningful than it might have.
The West Indies chase started shakily. Evin Lewis and Darren Bravo both fell early, and for a moment the home side looked like they might squander the opportunity. Then Nicholas Pooran and Jason Holder came together at the crease, and the match shifted.
The two put on 93 runs for the sixth wicket — a partnership that effectively decided the contest. Holder eventually fell to Mitchell Starc with 23 runs still needed, but by then the damage was done. Alzarri Joseph finished things off, thumping Ashton Turner for four to seal the win.
West Indies captain Kieron Pollard was measured in his assessment afterward. Winning was pleasing, he said, but he stopped short of calling it a complete performance. There was still work to do, he acknowledged — a candid note from a captain who clearly wants more than a series leveling.
The series now stands at one win apiece. Australia had taken the first ODI by a commanding 133 runs, which made Saturday's result all the more important for the hosts. The third and final match is scheduled for Monday, and with the series on the line, both sides will know exactly what's at stake.
Notable Quotes
It's pleasing to win, but I can't say I'm overall pleased with our performance throughout the entire game — we have some work to do.— West Indies captain Kieron Pollard
The Hearth Conversation Another angle on the story
What actually turned this match around for the West Indies?
The Pooran-Holder partnership. The top order fell apart early, and those two came together and put on 93 runs for the sixth wicket. That was the spine of the chase.
How bad was Australia's innings before the lower order stepped in?
Six wickets down for 45 runs. That's a collapse by any measure. The openers were gone almost immediately.
So how did Australia get to 187?
The tail wagged. Wade and Zampa each hit 36, and Wes Agar — batting at number ten — top-scored with 41 off 36 balls. Without that, the target would have been far easier.
Was the chase ever really in doubt after Pooran and Holder took over?
Not really. They won with 12 overs to spare. Once those two settled in, Australia never looked like taking it back.
Pollard didn't sound entirely satisfied despite the win. Why?
He said there was work to do — the top order struggles, the early wobbles. Winning a series decider on Monday will require more than a rescue act from the middle order.
What's the broader context here — is this series significant?
Australia won the first match by 133 runs, so this was a necessary response. Now it's level, and Monday's final ODI decides everything.