Cricket: Australia win as rain washes away West Indies chances

By PAUL SHORT Herald correspondent

SYDNEY - A brilliant 116 not out off 106 balls by Brian Lara could not prevent the West Indies losing again to Australia.

The tourists were 211 for 8 off 42.4 overs, chasing 278 for victory, when heavy rain ended the one-day international – and Lara's attempt to fashion an extraordinary victory – here yesterday.

Under the Duckworth/Lewis system, Australia were victorious by 28 runs.

The left-hander, who has had a disappointing tour apart from his 182 in the Third Test, hit 10 fours and two sixes in a glorious innings reminiscent of the Lara of old.

He rescued the West Indies from the depths of 94 for 5 in the 24th over, moving to his first 50 off 55 balls and reached his century off 97 balls by hitting the off-spinner Andrew Symonds for a six over cover.

Lara received scant support from his team-mates with only Ricardo Powell (28 from 37 balls) seriously worrying the bowlers.

It was Australia's third win from three matches in the triangular series.

The next match is between Australia and Zimbabwe in Melbourne on Sunday.

The Australian vice-captain Ricky Ponting, dropped on eight and 50, hit 93 off 74 balls after Mark Waugh (58) and the captain Adam Gilchrist (40) shared an opening stand of 98.

This followed their 206-run stand in Australia's nine-wicket win over the West Indies in Brisbane on Sunday.

Scores: Australia 277-4 West Indies 211-8 Australia win by 28 runs (Duckworth/Lewis method).