West Indies vs New Zealand: Gayle strikes as Windies start with a win
In a total dominance from Ball one to wrap the kiwi innings up, West Indies who has upper-hand over mighty Kiwis, have won the opener of T20 series with full marks. Jam-packed stadium and excitement of T20 format went on high with the arrival of Gayle in the Caribbean side. Weekend game brought Saturday bonanza to spectators out there in Lauderhill, Florida.
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| Chris Gayle' 85 not out brilliance gave West Indies a head start in the T20 series against New Zealand at Lauderhill, Florida |
From 2010 to till now, it’s been 2 years for Lauderhill to host an international match. More to promote cricket in USA, it is a big chance for players to seal a World Cup seat which is only 3 months away to till date.
Add to that, spectators too are equally excited to witness the match as 10,000 tickets are said to be sold for entire T20 series. On the verge to find out his best men for the upcoming T20 WC, New Zealand skipper – Ross Taylor, won the toss and elected to bowl first.
As pitch is expected to be on slower side with the game, two key bowlers – Ravi Rampaul and Kyle Mills are rested from either side to make a room for spin options.
But it wasn’t enough though.
New Zealand’s decision to bowl first cost them in a Gayle style. Dwayne Smith opens Windies account with a six to McCullum. As long as he stayed on the crease, Gayle remains silent. After the end of 4th over, Kiwis got their first wicket. Courtesy Bracewell, Smith was departed on crucial 17 off 13 balls.
New Zealand’s decision to bowl first cost them in a Gayle style. Dwayne Smith opens Windies account with a six to McCullum. As long as he stayed on the crease, Gayle remains silent. After the end of 4th over, Kiwis got their first wicket. Courtesy Bracewell, Smith was departed on crucial 17 off 13 balls.
Although, Windies got the start for what they aimed for earlier.
27/1 after 4 overs, Gayle has the perfect platform to look on. Playing with his name and fame, Gayle (85*) took the charge and started crafting score-board steadily. Thanks to Charles (24 off 29 balls), who patiently accompanied him for a solid start forward, followed by Pollard (63*).
27/1 after 4 overs, Gayle has the perfect platform to look on. Playing with his name and fame, Gayle (85*) took the charge and started crafting score-board steadily. Thanks to Charles (24 off 29 balls), who patiently accompanied him for a solid start forward, followed by Pollard (63*).
The swashbuckling partnership between Gayle and Pollard ensured a win for West Indies as every over after Pollard’s arrival either bringing a boundary or went out for a six. For New Zealand, neither bowlers nor fielders are contributing enough to stop any of these two.
For the attacking batting duo – Gayle & Pollard, 168/2 after 18 over were not sufficient though, as they grabbed 41 runs in last two over including 4-sixes and 3-fours. And as a result, Kiwis have a sum of 210 runs to chase down on a slower track.
In reply, New Zealand got the slow start. 37/0 after 4 over, some real pace needs to be shown by NZ batsmen. But then Sunil Narine snatched that moment and sent off Guptill for just 11 runs – his first ever T20I victim after fabulous IPL-5 with champion status.
Although, Captain Ross Taylor could manage to get some runs in the kitty but a boundary saving effort during Windies batting hurt his shoulder so badly that he has to retired hurt on 11 runs. And somehow, this is enough to script a loss for New Zealand.
On the other hand, Windies capitalized on this moment quickly. They not only fielded well but also their bowlers stick with good line and length. Thoughts with Kiwis, in the frustration to score more runs they lost wickets on regular intervals.
Late call, misjudgement of shot and pressure to chase down a huge total – Sammy & Co. finished the proceedings in 18.3 overs.
Large number of spectators, who were gathered to witness a competitive match, left the stadium with one-sided team efforts. Chris Gayle, definitely, not only sealed an opening win for the team but also, gave value to crowds money who were dying to watch him play for the national side – the West Indies.
Summarized Scores:
West Indies 209/2 (20 overs; Gayle 85*, Pollard 63*) beat New Zealand 153 (18.3 overs; Rob Nicol 32, Jacob Oram 27) by 56 runs.
Man of the Match: Chris Gayle (West Indies)
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