Kingston (Jamaica) August 15 : Half-centuries from West Indies openers Brandon King and Shamarh Brooks helped the hosts beat New Zealand by eight wickets and avoid a sweep by New Zealand in the third T20 International at Sabina Park on Monday (IST). King scored 53 runs and his opener Brooks hit a unbeaten 56 in the process as West Indies overhauled New Zealand’s score of 140/7 to lose of only two wickets with an extra over and secure a consolation victory ahead of the ODI series that starts on the 17th of August.
The Kiwi top-order reached double figures in their innings, however only one batsman scored more than 24 runs as the bowlers of the hosts have slowed the opponents.
Glenn Phillips looked the best of Glenn Phillips looked the best of the New Zealand batters, with the No.5 batsman ripping 41 off just 26 deliveries in order to assist the tourists achieve an under-par score of 145/7 in their allotted 20 overs.
Following scores of the 185/5 in the first game of the series, and 215/5 in the second match, Kane Williamson’s team would have be disappointed with their performance after they took the toss, and chose to bat first.
Although New Zealand opener Martin Guptill only scored 15 runs before he was dropped by Akeal Hosein The veteran was able to become the most prolific in the field in the history of men’s T20I.Guptill has now recorded an average of 3,497 T20I runs in his entire career with his most recent run helping him surpass India captain Rohit Sharma (3,487) just a little bit according to ICC.
Rohit as well as third-placed Virat Kohli (3,308) will have the chance to rise up the ranks when India participate in the Asia Cup that commences later this month in the UAE.
West Indies made four changes to their XI, and the decision to not play captain Nicholas Pooran paid off as the top order of the hosts appeared calm in the chase to get New Zealand’s goal with ease.
Right-handed Brandon King (53) got the hosts flying after his return to the field after a knee injury and the opener Shamarh Brooks (56 not out) played an a bit more cautious role when the hosts scored 102 in the first wicket, and left New Zealand requiring a miracle.
Rovman Powell (27 not out) Then, Rovman Powell (27 not out) in to steer the run chase to victory, with the stand-in West Indies captain slamming Jimmy Neesham for six on the final delivery of the final over to win the match.
The decision taken by the West Indies to play two spinners proved crucial in the final result, with Hosein (2/18) and Hayden Walsh (1/16) proving difficult to take down as well as the pacer Odean Smith (3/29) reaping the benefits with career-best numbers.
King who took home the “Player of the Award’ for his remarkable half-century, said that the bowlers deserved a lot of the credit for their win.
“Today the credit should be given to the bowlers” he said after the game.”They did a fantastic job and made the job was much simpler.”
Williamson claimed that his team was not able to win the day with New Zealand now shifting their focus towards the three-match ODI series, which starts on Wednesday.
“The West Indies adapted to the conditions well,” Williamson said.”We were aware that with 140, things had to be going very well with the ball.They beat us in the game today.”
Brief score: New Zealand 145/7 in 20 overs (Glenn Phillips 41; Odean Smith 3/29, Akeal Hosein 228) defeated by West Indies 150/2 in 19 overs (Brandon King 53, Shamarh Brooks 56 not out) by eight wickets.
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