West Indies led by Kieron Pollard got off to a blazing start notching 55 runs within the first 3 overs. The small boundaries of Eden Park, Auckland did make matters easy for them. But that was one firecracker of a start. Unfortunately for them, it went downhill for the visitors pretty quickly. From being in such a position of strength to losing 5 wickets for 59 in 5 overs, the Windies team looked lost.
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Who did the damage for New Zealand and how did West Indies recover?
Lockie Ferguson was the man who changed the tide for New Zealand. He picked up 3 quick wickets to put the Windies on the defensive. Then entered West Indian captain Kieron Pollard, who assessed the situation splendidly. He smashed a 37 ball 75 comprising 8 sixes and 4 boundaries. In a rain-curtailed game of 16 overs, West Indies managed to post 180 runs on the board. Ferguson ended his spell with amazing figures of 5 wickets for 21 runs. Thanks to Duckworth-Lewis (D/L) method, the target for New Zealand was revised to 176.
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Pollard revealed that he looks to do something different as a batsman when he sees that a bowler is dominating the proceedings. However, he believes that it is easier said than done, but that is why they train as individuals to perform no matter what. Ferguson gave due credit to Pollard saying it is one of the big challenges as a bowler to bowl to someone like Pollard in that kind of form.
How did New Zealand go about the chase?
If the Windies were powered by their captain’s one-man show for kiwis it was a collective effort. All their batsmen contributed significantly to the cause. The likes of Devon Conway, Glenn Phillips, James Neesham, and Mitchell Santner all put their hands up in an authoritative display of batsmanship. Even though New Zealand at one stage looked in doubt having lost Ross Taylor and the scorecard read 63-4. Neesham forged utility partnerships with both Conway and Santner to take New Zealand home.
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Where did West Indies lose the game?
Their chase was made easier thanks to some wayward bowling from the Windies. This proved to be the main difference between both the teams. West Indies bowled a total of 6 no-balls and five of them were bowled by Keemo Paul alone. The worst part didn’t end there, Keemo Paul bolted 4 of these no-balls in a single over which made the target easy for the chasing Kiwis.
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New Zealand were absolutely pumped by the victory as they have not been doing well recently as a T20 unit. This victory is sure to spur them up. While the Windies will be looking for redemption in the 2nd T20. This sets up the series beautifully.
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