Shane Watson conceded six runs from the final over as Australia claimed an incredible one-run win over the West Indies at Warner Park today.
Set 283 for victory in the fourth one-day international, the Windies looked certain to end their miserable run of losses after a superb run-a-ball 92 from skipper Chris Gayle at the top of the order.
But just when a face-saving victory appeared in their grasp, the home team choked in the final three overs, scoring just 11 runs while losing two wickets - including Shivnarine Chanderpaul for 51 - to suffer the most agonising of defeats.
It gave Australia a 4-0 lead in the five-match series - with a series sweep very much on the cards in the final match on Sunday - while also ensuring Michael Clarke victory in his first game in charge as one-day skipper.
Sent in to bat, Australia scored 8-282 from their 50 overs after a 127-run partnership between man-of-the-match Andrew Symonds (87) and debutant David Hussey (50).
Gayle and Ramnaresh Sarwan (63) then looked to have the Windies cruising to victory after a 137-run second wicket stand.
But despite seeming in control all the way through their run chase, the Windies somehow found themselves needing eight runs to win from the final over with keeper Denesh Ramdin and the underperforming Darren Sammy at the crease.
Watson (1-33) was given the ball by Clarke and brilliantly held his nerve, conceding a single from each ball to leave the Windies 6-281 at the end of 50 overs for a remarkable Australian win.
Brett Lee took 3-64 - including the wicket of Shawn Findlay to an amazing one-handed diving catch by Michael Hussey - with Mitchell Johnson (0-40) going wicketless but proving the most economical bowler of the day.
Earlier, Symonds was both brutal and innovative in his 78-ball innings, striking 10 fours and two sixes, including the unveiling of the back-of-the-bat reverse-sweep shot, which went to the boundary off spinner Nikita Miller.
Miller (1-56) came in for some treatment late in his 10 overs, but played a significant part in stifling the Australian run rate during the middle overs in a promising debut.
David Hussey's debut was also memorable.
While nowhere near as spectacular as Symonds' innings, the Victorian's run-a-ball 50 was similarly vital - although with the scoreboard incorrectly showing him on 49 when he was dismissed, Hussey did not get the chance to properly mark his maiden international half-century.
Clarke will again captain the side in the final game after Ricky Ponting today flew home to Australia to consult a specialist in Melbourne next week about his injured wrist.
