Match Details
It was the Windies skipper Nicholas Pooran who won the toss and put New Zealand in. It was a good start from the opening duo of Devon Conway and Martin Guptill as the duo shared a stand of 62 runs to set things rolling for New Zealand. Conway in particular looked in brilliant touch and found the boundaries at will. Guptill eventually went into overdrive with a few lusty blows but the introduction of Odean Smith brought about the downfall of both the openers. Guptill was dismissed to a sensational catch by Shimron Hetmyer at deep point, while Conway was deceived by the change of pace from Smith.
Kane Williamson and Glenn Philips took some time in the middle overs to get going before the rain arrived and halted play for around 90 minutes. Williamson looked in superb touch after the interruption and started taking the attack to the West Indies bowlers. He manipulated the field brilliantly and provided New Zealand with the push they needed in the middle overs. Daryl Mitchell joined Williamson in the middle at the fall of Philips’ wicket.
The duo shared a 46 runs stand in 27 deliveries and New Zealand needed the duo to step up and they did. Williamson eventually scored 47 of 33 deliveries while Mitchell scored a quickfire 12 balls 16. Jimmy Neesham who came to finish the innings showed yet again why he is rated so highly by New Zealand. The southpaw provided the much-needed impetus as he blazed his way to a knock of 33 of just 15 deliveries to get New Zealand over the 180 mark. Odeon Smith was the pick of the bowlers with 3 wickets for 32 runs.
West Indies needed to get off to a good start to harbour hopes of chasing the target down. Brooks started off with some pleasant shots but his partner Kyle Mayers was dismissed in the second over of Tim Southee. It came back sharply and caught Mayers on the crease. Nicholas Pooran came into the crease and began with a six and a couple of fours. However, it was a short stay for Pooran as he was dismissed by Santner with a not-so-great delivery. It was short and Pooran struck that straight to the deep midwicket fielder.
Wickets kept tumbling at regular intervals as Devon Thomas and Shimron Hetmyer were also dismissed without bothering the scorers much. While Thomas was dismissed by Lockie Ferguson with his hostile pace and bounce, it was Santner who sent back Hetmyer. Brooks looked in good touch but took too much time which put undue pressure on the rest of the batters. Santner got his wicket as West Indies were reduced to 79/5.
It seemed the end of the road for West Indies which was also the case in the series against India. However, the lower order which possesses some lusty hitters had some other ideas. From nowhere, it was a record partnership between Odean Smith and Romario Shepherd which got them back into the game. However the required rate was a bit too steep and despite the two firing, it was a 13 runs victory for New Zealand in the end.