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Ponting ton helps Australia clinch ODI series

Last updated on: February 14, 2010 18:08 IST

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Australia cruised to a 50-run victory over West Indies after skipper Ricky Ponting smashed his 29th ODI century in the fourth One dayer at the Gabba in Brisbane on Sunday.

Australia were propelled to 324 for seven after Ponting's brilliant century was backed by a late onslaught by James Hopes (47 off 21 deliveries).

This is the highest total recorded at the Gabba. 

India previously held the record of 303 for four against Australia back in 2004.

In reply, West Indies were bundled out for 274 for 8.

With this victory, Australia have clinched the five-match ODI series with a game to spare.

In-form Ponting raced to his century in only 112 deliveries, his ton studded with six fours and two sixes.

Ponting was well supported by Cameron White (63 off 78 deliveries), with whom he shared a 131-run partnership.

The pair set the tone of the innings with a solid third wicket partnership and then Hopes took it from there.

In reply, West Indies looked like they were in for the challenge when Chris Gayle (34 off 21) took control from one end and went all guns blazing.

The Windies made a decent start and were 44 for no loss in the 6th over, until Gayle's opening partner Travis Dowlin was scalped by Harris.

Gayle was then dismissed in the very next over.

Narsingh Deonarine (53 off 69 deliveries), Keiron Pollard (62 off 55) and Dwayne Smith (59 off 63) showed some resistance lower down the order. However, the writing was already on the wall with the required run rate climbing to 13 an over.