Fiery West Indies win huge against New Zealand

West Indies Vs New Zealand Played at Bristo

Brief Score Card:

West Indies 421 All Out( SD Hope 101, AD Russell 54 ,E Lewis 50, JO Holder 47, CH Gayle 36 , TA Boult 4/50) beat New Zealand 330 All Out ( TA Blundell 106,KS Williamson 85 , IS Sodhi 39 , CR Brathwaite 3/75, FA Allen 2/47) by 91 Runs

Firing at full cylinders West Indies movers and shakers put together sky high 421 against strong New Zealand. Only a few days back, this very Kiwis attack bruised and battered mighty Indians crushing them to pulp. But on days when all big guns of West Indies fire no bowling attack is spared, no ground is big enough to contain. The best of New Zealand could take them to 330which was still 91 too less. This huge West Indies win announced loudly their flamboyance and intentions in the world cup. It was a great show of explosive batting in T20 mood.

West Indies players are super stars are the most sought after merchandise in T20 franchise of the world. The power hitters make hay while the sun shines. Yesterday the sun was shining and they demonstrated why according many West Indies may surprise many in this world cup. If only they bowl and field with purpose they will be the most difficult side to play against in the tournament. How sweet it would be if they really can bring back their great moments of Lords of 1975 and 1979 when their adoring captain CH Lloyd lifted the Prudential World Cup.

A look at the following brief about West Indies batting first would tell half of the story. They were off the block from the outset and raced to 3/191 by the 24th over and 4/230 by the 31st. Chris Gayle set the tone, Lewis, Hope and Holder carried on in the same tempo before Russell ruthlessly punished the Kiwis .Remember that Kiwis had Boult , Henry ,Ferguson , Nisham and Grandhomme in the attack which on the other day grounded the high flying Indian batting . On the day only Boult with 4/50 could earn some respect. Henry leaked 107 in his 9 deliveries. Ferguson gave away 86 in his 10 overs .

Hope batted 86 balls striking 9 boundaries and 4 sixes for his 101, Russel blasted 54 in 25 deliveries smoking 7 fours and 3 sixes, Holder scored 47 in 23 balls with 3 fours and 3 sixes. Chris Gayle opened the flood gate at the top scoring 36 in 22 deliveries with 4 fours and 3 sixes., E Lewis was bit calm for his 50 in 54 deliveries striking 6 fours and a six.

When a team bats with such a devastating tempo team chasing usually loose their way. But the fact Kiwis put in their best and also scored 330 should also be commended. TA Blundell scored 106 in 86 deliveries with 8 fours and 5 sixes , Captain Williamson scored 85 in 64 with 11 fours and 2 sixes . Unfortunately there was none like Russell in kiwis camp to finish off. West indies won big by 91 runs .it could be a different story if Guptill and Taylor could make some contributions.

Brathwaitte was the most successful WI bowler taking 3/75. West Indies would not make 400 every other day. Their bowling needs to be far more probing and penetrative to keep winning.

The two matches yesterday featuring India vs Bangladesh and West Indies Vs New Zealand signaled the end of warm up matches. Now the time is ticking for the opening of the gala event. Host and hot favorite England would lock horns with South Africa. These two teams despite of having great potentials never won the world cup.

BDST: 1053 HRS, MAY 29, 2019