The T20 World Cup has been nothing short of thrilling, and the clash between West Indies vs New Zealand was one of the most anticipated matches of the tournament. Fans from around the globe were glued to their screens, eagerly waiting for the action to unfold. The pitch, the players, and the stakes were all set. As the game progressed, it became evident that New Zealand’s pacers were in top form, making early inroads and leaving the West Indies struggling at 3 down early in the innings.
West Indies vs New Zealand: The Build-Up to the Match
Before we dive into the live score updates, let’s take a moment to appreciate the build-up to this epic showdown.
A Battle of Titans
The West Indies vs New Zealand have a rich history in cricket, with both teams boasting formidable line-ups. The West Indies, known for their explosive batting and charismatic players, faced off against the disciplined and strategic New Zealand side. Fans expected a high-octane game, and the teams did not disappoint.
Team Preparations
Both teams had been preparing rigorously for this match. The West Indies had been focusing on their batting line-up, with power hitters like Chris Gayle and Kieron Pollard in the mix. On the other hand, New Zealand had been sharpening their bowling attack, with Trent Boult and Tim Southee leading the charge.
West Indies vs New Zealand Live Score Updates: Early Inroads by New Zealand Pacers
As the match commenced, the tension was palpable. The West Indies won the toss and opted to bat first, hoping to set a challenging target for New Zealand. However, things did not go as planned.
Early Wickets Fall
The New Zealand pacers were on fire right from the start. Trent Boult, with his lethal swing, dismissed Evin Lewis in the very first over. The crowd roared, and the New Zealand players celebrated with fervor.
- 1st Wicket: Evin Lewis c Williamson b Boult – 5 runs
- 2nd Wicket: Chris Gayle b Southee – 10 runs
- 3rd Wicket: Shimron Hetmyer c Conway b Boult – 2 runs
With three wickets down early, the West Indies were in a precarious position. The New Zealand pacers had made early inroads, and the pressure was mounting on the West Indies batsmen.
Middle Order Struggles
The middle order had to step up, but the relentless pressure from New Zealand’s bowlers made it difficult. Nicholas Pooran and Kieron Pollard tried to stabilize the innings, but runs were hard to come by. The bowlers maintained tight lines and lengths, not allowing the batsmen any room to free their arms.
Turning Point: Pollard’s Dismissal
Kieron Pollard, known for his big-hitting abilities, was the key for West Indies to post a competitive total. However, a brilliant delivery from Lockie Ferguson saw Pollard’s stumps shattered, leaving West Indies at 75/4. This was the turning point, as the New Zealand bowlers capitalized on the momentum and continued to chip away at the wickets.
New Zealand’s Bowling Prowess
New Zealand’s bowling attack was clinical. The pacers, backed by sharp fielding, ensured that the West Indies could never really get going. Here’s a look at the standout performances:
Trent Boult
Trent Boult was the star of the show. His ability to swing the ball both ways troubled the West Indies batsmen throughout the innings. Boult’s figures were impressive, finishing with 4 wickets for just 25 runs.
Tim Southee
Tim Southee complemented Boult perfectly. His disciplined line and length made it difficult for the batsmen to score. Southee picked up 2 crucial wickets, applying consistent pressure on the West Indies.
Lockie Ferguson
Lockie Ferguson’s raw pace added another dimension to New Zealand’s attack. His dismissal of Pollard was a game-changer, and he ended up with 3 wickets to his name.
West Indies vs New Zealand :West Indies’ Fightback
Despite the early setbacks, the West Indies did not give up. The lower order, led by Jason Holder and Andre Russell, put up a valiant fight. They played some aggressive shots, trying to push the score past 150. Holder’s resilience and Russell’s power-hitting gave the West Indies a glimmer of hope.
Holder and Russell Partnership
The partnership between Jason Holder and Andre Russell was crucial. They added 45 runs for the seventh wicket, with Holder playing a more anchoring role and Russell going for the big hits.
- Holder’s Contribution: 32 runs off 28 balls
- Russell’s Contribution: 38 runs off 21 balls
Their partnership helped the West Indies post a somewhat respectable total of 155/8 in their 20 overs.
West Indies vs New Zealand The Chase: New Zealand’s Response
With 156 runs to chase, New Zealand had a clear plan. Their openers, Martin Guptill and Devon Conway, started cautiously, respecting the early overs from the West Indies bowlers.
Steady Start
Guptill and Conway ensured there were no early hiccups. They rotated the strike well and capitalized on the loose deliveries. By the end of the powerplay, New Zealand was comfortably placed at 45/0.
Guptill’s Brilliance
Martin Guptill played a brilliant knock. His aggressive yet calculated approach kept the scoreboard ticking. Guptill’s half-century set the tone for the chase, and his partnership with Conway was pivotal.
The Finishing Touches
As the match progressed, New Zealand’s batsmen kept their cool. Even after Guptill’s dismissal, the middle order ensured there were no major collapses. Kane Williamson and Glenn Phillips played sensible cricket, taking New Zealand over the line with ease.
- Guptill’s Score: 65 runs off 42 balls
- Williamson’s Score: 34 runs off 27 balls
- Phillips’ Contribution: 29 runs off 18 balls
New Zealand chased down the target with 3 overs to spare, securing a comprehensive victory.
FAQs West Indies vs New Zealand
Q1: Who were the standout performers in the match?
A1: Trent Boult’s 4-wicket haul and Martin Guptill’s 65 runs were the standout performances.
Q2: What was the turning point of the match?
A2: The turning point was Lockie Ferguson’s dismissal of Kieron Pollard, which shifted the momentum in New Zealand’s favor.
Q3: How did the West Indies fare in their innings?
A3: The West Indies struggled initially, losing 3 wickets early. Despite a fightback from the lower order, they could only post 155/8.
Conclusion
The West Indies vs New Zealand live score updates from the T20 World Cup showcased a classic encounter between two cricketing giants. New Zealand’s pacers made early inroads, putting the West Indies on the back foot right from the start. Despite a valiant effort from the West Indies’ lower order, New Zealand’s disciplined bowling and solid batting ensured a comfortable victory. The match highlighted the unpredictability and excitement that T20 cricket brings, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the next thrilling contest in the tournament.
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