Kingston: The West Indies and Australia played out a dramatic tie in the third One-Day International in a thrilling finish to a riveting contest at Arnos Vale.

Needing one run from the last three balls of the match Tuesday to reach their target of 221, the last wicket pair of captain Darren Sammy (10) and Kemar Roach (nine not out) hesitated over a quick single and found themselves stranded at virtually the same end.

Starting the nerve-wracking last over requiring seven for victory, West Indies scrambled singles from the first two deliveries before Sammy slammed the third from fast bowler Brett Lee to the wide long on boundary, to bring the scores level.

Sammy then squirted the fourth ball to point and held his ground while Roach set off for a near impossible single. In the end, Sammy found himself quarter of a way down the pitch when Lee took the bails off at the bowlers' end.

The result, however, represented a tremendous comeback by the home side after they appeared out of the game at 117 for six in the 29th over.

Andre Russell then arrived at the crease to crack 37 from 42 balls and Carlton Baugh supported with 33 from 69 balls, in a pivotal 64-run stand for the seventh wicket that pulled the innings around.

Russell, who was bowled by a Shane Watson no-ball on 31 in the 39th over, struck three fours and a six while Baugh counted three fours.

The momentum shifted again when Russell edged seamer Clint McKay behind at 181 for seven in the 43rd over and Baugh holed out to deep mid-wicket off the same bowler, nine runs later.

Sunil Narine crashed two boundaries in 10 before falling but Sammy and Roach steered the Windies to the brink of victory.

Earlier, Mike Hussey hit 67 and George Bailey, 59, but West Indies produced a lethal late innings burst to rattle Australia and to scupper the visitors' hopes of an imposing total.

Batting first after winning the toss, Australia were dismissed off the penultimate ball of the innings for 220, a disappointing total considering they were well poised for a late assault at 202 for four in the 46th over.

They lost their last six wickets for 18 runs off 25 balls as exciting off-spinner Narine claimed two wickets at the death to finish with three for 32 while pacer Roach took wickets with successive deliveries in the 47th over, to end with two for 42. (IANS)