West Indies vs New Zealand - Two teams gear up to blaze in U.S.A
Is it the craze towards game or popularity of T20 cricket? More than 10,000 fans are expected to witness a fascinating T20 series between West Indies and New Zealand at Florida, USA. The organizers’ plan to arrange the series in the weekend has certainly played an influential role.
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| USA is ready to enjoy cricket, again. New Zealand vs West Indies, 2012 |
NZL cricket Board’s joint venture with USA cricket Association – Cricket Holdings America, is not only aiming for global exposure of Cricket, but also looking forward to attain local interest for the same. And as a result, two all-rounders personified teams are lined up for an exciting encounter between them.
News:
West Indies camp:
Likes of genuine all-rounders – Darren Sammy, Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard along with spin options in the form of Sunil Narine, the Windies have a good variation in bowling department. Though, Fidel Edwards and Ravi Rampaul don’t need any introduction in the pace department.
In the batting, the Windies aren’t potent enough. Although, their all-rounders are capable enough to lift the game on any given day. All eyes would be on whether Chris Gayle will be in the playing XI or not. Though, his arrival in the national team will surely boost the West Indies chances here.
New Zealand camp:
From their last tour to Lauderhill to till now, Kiwi side has been totally reformed. Presence of two key veteran players – Daniel Vettori and Brendon McCullum could be missed. But then a good chance for young guns to come up front and prove the caliber.
As of now, their bowling looks quite balanced. Unlike Windies, Blackcaps have showed faith in their premium bowlers instead of naming all-rounders. Experience and pace merged in name of Tim Southee, Kyle Mills and Jacob Oram whereas elder McCullum brother will be seen in charge for spin department.
In batting department, scenario is highly relying on batting duo – Ross Taylor and Martin Guptil. The blend of experience and style these two players share will be crucial for building a fighting total.
Playing conditions:
Being the 3rd International T20 match here at Lauderhill, Florida – both the captains has nothing more to look back instead of reading the conditions and plan accordingly. Though, bowlers would be crucial for either side as pitch is supposed to be on slower track with the proceedings. Rest weather conditions will decide turn and twist of this T20 series.
Head to Head:
When it comes to experience, the Windies have the upper-hand. T20 exposure in IPL will surely give them bonus. But then Kiwis are well known competitors when it comes to T20 cricket. In bowling, both teams are looking equally balanced. Batting could be the key difference between these two sides.
Crunching Numbers:
Ground Trivia:
> Lauderhill Stadium is going to host an International match after 2 years, which will be the first meeting between these two sides.
> In two T20 matches played here between New Zealand and Sri Lanka, both teams have clinched each other for once.
> Batting first or second – both the times, team has proved theorem of equality as 1:1
Match Results:
> Ironical or what – 2 out of 3 matches between these two sides has ended with a tie result. Yet New Zealand, somehow, has managed to conquer the mighty Windies for once.
> Lowest total: 126/8 (20 overs) by New Zealand in February 2006.
> Highest total: 191/9 (20 overs) by New Zealand in December 2008.
Top Scorers:
No surprises! Ross Taylor is leading Kiwi side with 69 runs from 2 matches and, of course, Chris Gayle directing Caribbean Safari with 78 runs from 3 matches.
Top Strikers:
Indeed a surprise! Chris Gayle is leading the wickets tally, too, for the Windies. He has 6 wickets from 3 matches. For New Zealand, it is Tim Southee with 2 wickets from 2 matches.
Individual Achievements:
> New IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders’ star bowler Sunil Narine would focus to find out his first ever T20I victim.
> Dwayne Bravo is 65 runs short to complete 500 T20I runs.
> Darren Sammy and Tim Southee are the only bowlers to notch up a 5-wicket haul.
> Chris Gayle is the only batsman to have a T20I century in the kitty.
Squads:
West Indies:
Darren Sammy (capt), Samuel Badree, Dwayne Bravo, Johnson Charles, Fidel Edwards, Chris Gayle, Sunil Narine, Kieron Pollard, Denesh Ramdin, Ravi Rampaul, Marlon Samuels, Lendl Simmons, Dwayne Smith.
