Third West Indies-Australia ODI match ends in dramatic tie

Kingstown, Mar 21 (ANI): The West Indies came back from five wickets down for just 78 runs to snatch a dramatic tie against Australia in the third Digicel One-Day International at Arnos Vale on Tuesday.

Chasing 221 for victory, the hosts appeared set to pull off a remarkable win when Darren Sammy smashed a four off Brett Lee to level the scores with three balls remaining.

But off the next delivery Kemar Roach took off for a run while Sammy stood his ground, the pair ending up at the striker's end as Brett Lee completed a run-out to complete the first tie in an ODI at the venue.

After bowling out Australia for 220, the West Indies lost half their side in just 21 overs, but battled their way back. The five-match Digicel ODI Series is now level 1-1.

West Indies were in deep trouble early in the chase before Andre Russell (37), Kieron Pollard (36) and keeper Carlton Baugh (33) played well to lift the home side's hopes. Russell and Baugh added 64 for the sixth wicket. Opener Johnson Charles top scored with 45 in his third ODI.

After Baugh fell at 190-8 the game went back in favour of the visitors, but skipper Darren Sammy held the tail together with Sunil Narine and Kemar Roach. Sammy was however run out off the third ball of the last over with just one needed for victory, after a mix-up with Roach.

Earlier in the day, off-spinner Sunil Narine was again the West Indies' best bowler with 3-32 off 9.5 overs as Australia slumped from 202-5 to lose the last five wickets for 18 runs in the final five overs. Speedster Roach (2-42) and spinner Marlon Samuels (2-39) also bowled well.

Speaking after the match, West Indies Head Coach Ottis Gibson said his players demonstrated to everyone they have it in them to match the Australians, but they need to stay calm in high-pressure situations.

"We should have won today and we have quite a few disappointed boys in the dressing room at the moment. But, look at it this way, we didn't lose the match and we are still in with a great chance of winning the series," said Gibson.

The two teams will travel to St Lucia on Wednesday for the fourth and fifth Digicel One-Day Internationals. (ANI)