Cricket: Windies agony as rain saves Australia

MELBOURNE - Rain saved Australia from almost certain defeat in their triangular one-day international against West Indies at the Gabba in Brisbane on Friday.

The world champions had collapsed to 45 for five in reply to West Indies' total of 263 for nine when the match was abandoned because of thunderstorms.

Australia had been set a revised target of 195 from 28 overs after their innings was interrupted by almost two-and-a-half hours after five overs had been bowled.

Australia were already struggling at 12 for two when they left the field the first time. On their return three more wickets fell in a six-run burst before the weather turned foul again.

West Indies' brilliant batting performance was led by opener Wavell Hinds who smashed his third century in four matches against Australia.

Developing a real penchant for Australia's bowlers, he belted 107 off 138 balls, including eight fours.

Shivnarine Chanderpaul chipped in with 45 off 48 balls while Dwayne Bravo and Ramnaresh Sarwan both made 27 after opener Chris Gayle gave the innings a flying start with 26 off 22 deliveries.

Jason Gillespie captured three wickets for Australia, including Bravo and Courtney Browne in successive balls in the 49th over, although his nine over went for 62.

Express paceman Brett Lee dismissed Brian Lara but television replays suggested the West Indies captain was unlucky to be given out caught behind.

West Indies were pegged back to 92 for three with that dismissal but Hinds rebuilt the innings.

The 28-year-old Jamaican took 88 balls to reach his half-century but immediately raised the tempo, scoring his second fifty off 43 deliveries before falling to Shane Watson in the final overs.

Australia made a terrible start to their innings when openers Adam Gilchrist and Matthew Hayden both departed for six as the rain started.

Things did not get any better when they returned, Ricky Ponting (two), Andrew Symonds (no score) and Michael Clarke (two) all falling cheaply with Pedro Collins capturing three for eight off four overs.

The result left Australia with 14 points from three matches in the triangular series. Pakistan had six from two matches and West Indies four from three.

- REUTERS