Aussies surprise Windies in 2 run win (1989)

Allan Border's emerging young Australian team turned the tables on Viv Richard's fancied Windies team in the first final to emerge victorious by just 2 runs.

Batting first, Australia made 204/9, with captain Allan Border top-scoring with 78 and Dean Jones contributing 36. Curtly Ambrose was outstanding for the West Indies, taking 5/26.

The West Indies appeared well placed in their chase but Australia kept taking crucial wickets. Carl Hooper (33), Jeff Dujon (27) and Curtly Ambrose (23) provided valuable contributions, but the visitors finished on 202/9, falling just short of their target.

Australia’s bowlers shared the wickets, with Tony Alderman, Merv Hughes, Simon O’Donnell and Peter Taylor taking two each.

The dramatic victory gave Australia a 1–0 lead in the best-of-three finals. It was a typically tense encounter between the two leading ODI sides of the era, decided by just two runs at the MCG.

Benson & Hedges series. MCG. 14 Jan 1989.