Pollard century fails to prevent easy Aussie win

Sydney, Feb 8 (AFP) Australia maintained their dominance over the West Indies cruising to a five-wicket victory to lead their one-day international series 4-0 at the Sydney Cricket Ground today. Only a belligerent unbeaten century from man-of-the-match Kieron Pollard gave the West Indies a respectable score of 220 after they were 55 for six at one stage. But it was easily run down by the Australians, who secured victory with 31 balls to spare and will now go after a series clean sweep in Melbourne on Sunday. If not for Pollard's 109 off 136 balls it would have been an even more emphatic victory for Michael Clarke's team who always had control of the run chase under lights. Shane Watson followed up his 122 in Wednesday's 39-run series-clinching win in Canberra with 76 off 84 balls and skipper Clarke hit 37 off 65 balls before he was out gloving down the leg-side to express bowler Tino Best with the scores level. Glen Maxwell came in and hit the winning run with Matthew Wade not out 13. Yet despite Australia's dominance the towering Pollard was named man-of-the-match for preventing his team's innings from falling apart after it had tottered at 55 for six before a series of late partnerships gave his side something to defend. It was Pollard's third ODI century and his second against Australia and he had to curb his usual aggressive batting style as the West Indies threatened to repeat their total of 70 in the first ODI of the series in Perth. Mitchell Johnson ripped into the West Indies top order removing Johnson Charles (0) Kieran Powell (9) and Darren Bravo (4) to have the tourists wobbling at 17 for three. Bravo's brother, Dwayne, lasted eight balls for his three before he was given out leg before wicket to Maxwell on review. MORE (AFP) ATK 02081731 NNNN