CRICKET: Australia has made it through to the final of the ODI tri-series in Barbados thanks to some magic from Glenn Maxwell.

Maxwell, dropped by selectors for earlier games in the tournament, hit 46 from 26 balls, including an audacious switch-hit six off Sunil Narine, as the Aussies chased down the West Indies’ 8-282 with six wickets and nine balls to spare.

The all-rounder came in with 62 still needed off 50 balls but his power hitting edged the game Australia’s way to book a place in Monday’s final against the Windies or South Africa, who play Saturday morning.

Mitchell Marsh top-scored with 79not out, with skipper Steve Smith hitting 78 in the Australians’ impressive run chase.

Earlier Marlon Samuels (125) scored his first ODI century against Australia and put on 192 with wicketkeeper Dinesh Ramdin (91) – a record fourth-wicket stand in all ODIs between the two teams.