Brian Lara's dismissal triggered a late collapse for West Indies

A fine assault by Brian Lara and Chris Gayle on Stuart Clark gave West Indies a three-wicket win over Australia in the tri-nations series in Malaysia.

Chasing 273 to win, West Indies approached the last 10 overs needing a further 32 with seven wickets in hand.

They then collapsed to 255-7 before Dwayne Bravo's driven six off Nathan Bracken eased the tension. Bravo hit the winning run with 16 balls left.

Earlier, Australia's stand-in captain Michael Hussey hit 109 not out.

Together with wicket-keeper Brad Haddin, who scored 70, Hussey put on 166 for the sixth wicket.

Ian Bradshaw and Dwayne Bravo both took two wickets for West Indies.

Hussey, standing in for Ponting who was being rested, won the toss and elected to bat but after a competent start Australia soon found themselves struggling.

Stuart Clark had a day he'd rather forget Michael Hussey

Simon Katich was run out for 22, Shane Watson fell for a duck and Andrew Symonds was dismissed for eight to leave Australia 57-3.

Michael Clarke could only manage a single but opener Matthew Hayden stuck around for a patient 49 in his first match in the series.

West Indies also lost early wickets to be 44-2.

But Lara (88) and Gayle (79) put on 151 in less than 20 overs to put their team on top. Clark's seven wicketless overs cost 87.

Michael Hussey led by example, but many Australians struggled

The two batsmen were both caught off attempted pulls off the impressive Brett Lee, whereupon West Indies contrived to lose three further wickets.

But Bravo (37 not out) ensured the efforts of Lara and Gayle did not go to waste.

West Indies' second win in the series makes them near-certainties to make the final, with India needing to win their last two matches to have a chance.

"We had a bit of a hiccup again at the end but we have time now to work on it," said West Indies skipper Lara.

Australia, who play India in a must-win match on Wednesday, gave away 33 extras, including 16 wides and 11 no-balls.

Hussey said: "We probably let them off the hook with too many sundries and that's what lost the game. Stuart Clark had a day he'd rather forget."