New Zealand registered a commanding six-wicket victory over
the West Indies in the third One-Day International at the Providence Cricket
Stadium, seizing a crucial 2-1 lead in the five-match series. A familiar and
dramatic batting collapse by the hosts turned a promising start into a meager
total, leaving their bowlers with far too little to defend.
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| Image Credits: Cricinfo |
Opting to bowl first on a turning surface, New Zealand’s
spin attack completely choked the West Indies. The hosts’ night started going
awry early when opener John Campbell was stretchered off with a hamstring
injury. From 67-1, the Caribbean side imploded to 140 all out in 37.1 overs.
Keacy Carty offered the lone significant resistance with a gritty 48 off 77
balls, while Shimron Hetmyer and Ackeem Auguste chipped in with 26 apiece.
Left-arm spinner Jayden Lennox was the star performer once again, tearing through
the batting order to claim 4 for 52. Mitchell Santner (2-15) and Michael
Bracewell (2-33) tightened the screws perfectly.
Chasing a modest 141, New Zealand executed a highly
calculated and patient response. Openers Henry Nicholls (24) and Will Young
(23) provided a stable platform. Though West Indies debutant Vitel Lawes
injected brief excitement by snapping up three quick wickets to leave the Kiwis
wobbling at 89-4, the target was far too low to cause lasting panic. Skipper
Tom Latham (31*) and Dean Foxcroft (22*) safely guided the visitors home with
an unbroken 52-run partnership, reaching 141-4 in 39.3 overs with 63 balls remaining.
The action now shifts for the remaining two ODIs to Bridgetown, Barbados, where a wounded West Indies must fix their batting woes to keep the series alive.
