Match of the World Cup?
Wow, what a thriller this was! These past two days have thrown up 3 games of the highest quality, this one was surely the best of the lot. Carlos Brathwaite, take a bow! He hit calculated shots, protected his tail extremely well but fell short only by 5 runs. His maiden international century will be scant consolation but he will be disappointed that he did not take his team over the line.
It was surreal hitting for sure, evoking memories of the World T20 final in 2016. I am pretty sure Ben Stokes will invite Matt Henry over for a beer later tonight or tomorrow, as he will sympathize. Brathwaite took 25 runs off Henry, clobbering him for three sixes in a row. He almost got the last hit over the fence too, but Boult held his nerves to take the decisive catch.
New Zealand will be wondering how they got out of this jail, after looking in cruise control for most of the game. Gayle and Hetmyer were going very well but once the latter fell, they lost five quick wickets. Roach and Cottrell offered some good resistance and played good supporting hands for Brathwaite but it just did not prove enough.
It has been an absolute pleasure to get you the live updates, do join us tomorrow when Pakistan take on South Africa. Till then, no goodnight, do reflect on this terrific game and how good of an advertisement it is for the World Cup. Goodbye!
WI 286 (49 overs)
Neesham is back.
48.1 Neesham to Brathwaite, DOT, short and he punches to cover. Does not want to swing wildly when they are this close
48.2 Neesham to Brathwaite, DOT, short outside off, he swings but does not connect
48.3 Neesham to Brathwaite, DOT, short again, and he misses his big swing again. Exhilirating stuff this!
48.4 Neesham to Brathwaite, 2 runs, hundred for Carlos! Wow what an innings this is! It is short and he pulls to deep mid wicket, hares back for two as well. Brilliant commitment but can he takes Windies home now?
48.5 Neesham to Brathwaite, DOT, slow short ball, backs out of the big hit
48.6 Neesham to Brathwaite, OUT, oh my word, no! He went for the big hit on the short ball, the long on boundary is very long, it is straight down the throat of the man stationed there and it is a big heartbreak for Carlos Brathwaite
Brathwaite c Boult b Neesham 101(82)
WI 284/9 (48 overs)
Henry is back.
47.1 Henry to Brathwaite, 2 runs, short and pulled to deep backward square leg, takes two
47.2 Henry to Brathwaite, SIX, holy moly he is turning it on! Goes short Matt, and he absolutely belts this over long on
47.3 Henry to Brathwaite, SIX, another one, are you kidding me?? Full toss wide of off, Carlos hits this with one hand just over the ropes at backward point. How have you managed to let this get this close, Kiwis?
Can he repeat the World T20 final heroics?
47.4 Henry to Brathwaite, SIX, it is three in a row! Gifts him a full toss outside off, he swings it way into the stands at cover. Oh my word, he really believes he can do this!
47.5 Henry to Brathwaite, FOUR, it is short, he swings and gets it over the keeper for four. He is a hero no doubt!
47.6 Henry to Brathwaite, 1 run, flays it to backward point
WI 259/9 (47 overs)
46.1 Ferguson to Brathwaite, DOT, full ball, driven to long on, refuses the single
46.2 Ferguson to Brathwaite, DOT, slower ball, leg cutter actually, spins away from the stumps
46.3 Ferguson to Brathwaite, SIX, slow ball, he was expecting it and powers it over the long off fence. Is there still some hope?
46.4 Ferguson to Brathwaite, DOT, played to point
46.5 Ferguson to Brathwaite, 1 run, to mid wicket
46.6 Ferguson to Thomas, DOT.
WI 252/9 (46 overs)
Oshane Thomas is the last man in
45.1 Boult to Brathwaite, FOUR, full outside off, and it is pummelled down the ground for a boundary
45.2 Boult to Brathwaite, 2 runs, goes short, pulled to deep mid wicket for two
45.3 Boult to Brathwaite, 1 run, short and sliced to mid off, but it falls short and he also stops the boundary. It's the skipper there
45.4 Boult to Thomas, DOT, pacey length ball, defended on the front foot
45.5 Boult to Thomas, DOT, yorker at the stumps, just about jammed out
45.6 Boult to Thomas, DOT.
WI 245/9 (45 overs)
Ferguson is back too.
44.1 Ferguson to Brathwaite, DOT, leg cutter on off, spins away from Carlos' bat
44.2 Ferguson to Brathwaite, DOT, quicker ball, angled in, beats the edge and Lockie apologizes to his keeper, he had to dive there
44.3 Ferguson to Brathwaite, DOT, defended to the leg side
44.4 Ferguson to Brathwaite, 1 run, slow one again, played to sweeper cover. Kiwi bowlers are bowling defensive, this is very poor from them
44.5 Ferguson to Cottrell, DOT, down leg, takes his pads enroute to the keeper
44.6 Ferguson to Cottrell, OUT, oh finally! Goes full and straight, as you do to a tail ender, and it clatters into the stumps
Cottrell b Ferguson 15(26)
WI 244/8 (44 overs)
Boult is back, he wants to finish things off and maybe get a five-wicket haul too
43.1 Boult to Brathwaite, 1 run, short ball, turned to square leg, smart to get Carlos off strike
43.2 Boult to Cottrell, DOT, short ball, fended well, Sheldon wants them to keep it below his hips. Is not happy with this treatment
43.3 Boult to Cottrell, DOT, slower length ball, drops is on the pitch Sheldon
43.4 Boult to Cottrell, DOT, back of a length outside off, defended to point. What is Boult doing here? Just go full and straight, it is a tail ender for heavens sake!
43.5 Boult to Cottrell, DOT, length now, defended to cover
43.6 Boult to Cottrell, DOT.
WI 235/8 (42 overs)
41.1 Santner to Brathwaite, FOUR, short and wide, cut between backward point and gully for four
41.2 Santner to Brathwaite, 1 run, floater on off, defends to the off side and takes the single
41.3 Santner to Cottrell, DOT, quicker on middle, played back
41.4 Santner to Cottrell, 1 run, full and wide, slashes at it Sheldon, it goes to short third man
41.5 Santner to Brathwaite, 2 runs, worked to deep mid wicket and they make it back in. Mitch is unhappy with the fielder, wanted him to be quicker
41.6 Santner to Brathwaite, DOT.
WI 227/8 (41 overs)
We are into the final powerplay and the Kiwis are looking to finish off the last rites quickly. Neesham is back.
40.1 Neesham to Brathwaite, 1 run, tucks to square leg and almost fell over as he slipped
40.2 Neesham to Cottrell, DOT, length ball outside off, played to short cover
40.3 Neesham to Cottrell, DOT, length again, hops up to play this to backward point, did not have to hop at all, he is quite tall
40.4 Neesham to Cottrell, 1 run, drops to short cover and set off. Santner was stationed there and he and Neesham collided while chasing the ball, luckily they share a smile and all's good
40.5 Neesham to Brathwaite, 2 runs, taps to short cover and they take the second on the overthrows. 50 for Carlos, good rearguard action from the big man!
40.6 Neesham to Brathwaite, 1 run.
WI 218/8 (39 overs)
38.1 Henry to Roach, OUT, finally! Bowled this short and wide, Kemar goes for the cut, gets a big edge through to the keeper
Roach c Latham b Henry 14(31)
Sheldon Cottrell, the star of the first innings, walks out to the middle
38.2 Henry to Cottrell, DOT, bowls length on the stumps, defended well
38.3 Henry to Cottrell, 1 run, taps this length ball to mid on and sets off
38.4 Henry to Brathwaite, 1 run, full ball on off, punched to mid off
38.5 Henry to Cottrell, 1 run, outside edge runs to third man
38.6 Henry to Brathwaite, FOUR, outside edge again, runs away to the third man fence this time
WI 211/7 (38 overs)
Santner is back.
37.1 Santner to Brathwaite, 1 run, short ball, punched to long off
37.2 Santner to Roach, DOT, floated on middle, defended on the front foot
37.3 Santner to Roach, DOT, defended back
37.4 Santner to Roach, 1 run, short and spinning away, cut to backward point
37.5 Santner to Brathwaite, DOT, spinning away, played to short third man
37.6 Santner to Brathwaite, DOT.
WI 209/7 (37 overs)
Henry is back.
36.1 Henry to Brathwaite, DOT, length ball on the stumps, defended to point
36.2 Henry to Brathwaite, 1 run, length again, punched to deep cover
36.3 Henry to Roach, DOT, length ball, defended back
36.4 Henry to Roach, DOT, bumper and Kemar ducks
36.5 Henry to Roach, DOT, back of a length ball, shoots up to Kemar, thuds into his bat, he takes his hands off it in surprise
36.6 Henry to Roach, DOT.
WI 208/7 (36 overs)
Michael Holding on air is absoutely ripping West Indies to shreds. Says Andy Roberts takes it to heart when Windies don't play good cricket, and he says to him, you cannot do that. Everyone is disappointed but Andy is shattered. Even the legends have given up hope now from this team!
35.1 Ferguson to Roach, DOT, length ball angled in, defended with a shuffle
35.2 Ferguson to Roach, 1 run, goes short, Kemar fends to cover point, Santner cannot pick it up cleanly, otherwise Carlos would have been walking back to the pavilion
35.3 Ferguson to Brathwaite, 1 run, short ball fended to square leg
35.4 Ferguson to Roach, DOT, full and wide, drives with timing to short cover
35.5 Ferguson to Roach, DOT, short ball defended to backward point on the hop
35.6 Ferguson to Roach, DOT.
WI 188/7 (33 overs)
We are back after the drinks break. de Grandhomme is back.
32.1 de Grandhomme to Brathwaite, 1 run, gets an inside edge on the length ball, goes to square leg
32.2 de Grandhomme to Roach, DOT, he is actually hurried by the medium pacer! Defends well in the end though
32.3 de Grandhomme to Roach, 1 leg byes, off the pads to square leg
32.4 de Grandhomme to Brathwaite, 1 run, length on the stumps, punched to long off
32.5 de Grandhomme to Roach, DOT, drives the full ball to cover
32.6 de Grandhomme to Roach, DOT.
WI 185/7 (32 overs)
31.1 Santner to Brathwaite, SIX, what a hit! Floated on off, Carlos gets a stride forward and absolutely clobbers this into the stands way back at long on. 96 metres!
31.2 Santner to Brathwaite, 1 run
31.3 Santner to Roach, DOT, defended
31.4 Santner to Roach, SIX, wow! Floated outside off, Roach picks the bones out of that one, over the ropes at long off
31.5 Santner to Roach, 1 run.
31.6 Santner to Brathwaite, 1 run.
WI 170/7 (31 overs)
30.1 Boult to Roach, 1 run, short and slashed away, third man does well to save the boundary
30.2 Boult to Brathwaite, DOT, goes short to the mountainous frame of Carlos, he drops it easily to point
30.3 Boult to Brathwaite, DOT, defended to the leg side
30.4 Boult to Brathwaite, DOT, sways away from the line of the bumper
30.5 Boult to Brathwaite, DOT, goes round the wicket and bowls full, driven to mid off
30.6 Boult to Brathwaite, 1 run.
WI 167/7 (29 overs)
28.1 Boult to Brathwaite, DOT, short ball, wears it flush on the glove Carlos
28.2 Boult to Brathwaite, DOT, length ball angled across, defended
28.3 Boult to Brathwaite, DOT, fuller length on the stumps, punched to mid on
28.4 Boult to Brathwaite, DOT, short one, outside off, played to backward point
28.5 Boult to Brathwaite, 1 run, fuller, pushed to mid off and takes the quick single
28.6 Boult to Roach, 1 run.
WI 165/7 (28 overs)
Kemar Roach is in at no.9
27.1 Santner to Brathwaite, DOT, short ball punched to mid on
27.2 Santner to Brathwaite, DOT, edged but does goes off the keeper's pad and falls short of slip. Enticing him into the drive there
27.3 Santner to Brathwaite, DOT, defended on the back foot
27.4 Santner to Brathwaite, 1 run, big stride forward to drive to deep cover point
27.5 Santner to Roach, DOT, defended on the front foot
27.6 Santner to Roach, DOT.
WI 164/7 (26.5 overs)
Evin Lewis hobbles out at no.8. He has a torn hamstring so there can be no quick singles or doubles. Let's see how long he can last
26.3 Boult to Lewis, WIDE, down leg
26.3 Boult to Lewis, DOT, wants to cut, chops it almost to the stumps instead
26.4 Boult to Lewis, DOT, goes full and Evin just about digs it out
26.5 Boult to Lewis, OUT, he lasts all of three balls. Trent goes short again, Evin had to pull, he does, but straight down the throat of deep square leg. They don't even want to fight here
Lewis c Neesham b Boult 0(3)
WI 162/6 (26.2 overs)
Boult is back now.
26.1 Boult to Brathwaite, 1 run, back of a length on leg, fended to short leg and quick single taken
26.2 Boult to Nurse, OUT, another one down! Goes short Trent, and he wanted to pull, gets a glove as it was too quick for him, Tom takes it acrobatically again, very well done
Nurse c Latham b Boult 1(8)
WI 162/5 (26 overs)
Ashley Nurse is in at no.7. Santner is back.
25.1 Santner to Nurse, DOT, short on middle stump, defended to short fine, bit of hesitation for the run, they don't in the end
25.2 Santner to Nurse, DOT, fuller on leg, defended to the leg side
25.3 Santner to Nurse, DOT, wants to sweep this, is struck on the pad, outside the line though
25.4 Santner to Nurse, DOT, defended down the ground
25.5 Santner to Nurse, DOT, defended on the back foot
25.6 Santner to Nurse, DOT, maiden at this stage! Brilliant
WI 152/5 (24 overs)
23.6 de Grandhomme to Gayle, OUT, would you believe it? 3 wickets in 2 overs and this is surely the game for New Zealand. The medium pacer goes full, Gayle wants to power it over long on, does not get enough on it and for once, the Kiwis take his catch. What a turnaround!
Gayle c Boult b de Grandhomme 87(84)
WI 146/4 (23 overs)
Jason Holder, the skipper, walks in at no.5
22.2 Ferguson to Holder, OUT, two in two! This was thrown full, little outside off, Jason goes for the drive, it catches a thin edge through to the keeper. Can he get the hat trick?
Holder c Latham b Ferguson 0(1)
Carlos Brathwaite will face the danger ball
22.3 Ferguson to Brathwaite, DOT, bowls it short, Carlos is too tall for it, drops it near him safely
22.4 Ferguson to Brathwaite, FOUR, finds the outside edge! Squared up Carlos that. It was bowled on a length, straightened after pitching, takes the edge and goes away to the boundary
22.5 Ferguson to Brathwaite, DOT, defends to the leg side
22.6 Ferguson to Brathwaite, DOT.
WI 138/2 (21 overs)
Lockie Ferguson is back.
20.1 Ferguson to Hetmyer, DOT, slow yorker on leg stump, dug out well
20.2 Ferguson to Hetmyer, SIX, what a hit! It is just slightly short, Shimron pulls it almost instinctively, into the stands at square leg, brings up his second consecutive fifty!
20.3 Ferguson to Hetmyer, 1 run, yorked him, flicked to fine leg for one. That was actually well played
20.4 Ferguson to Gayle, DOT, super slow bumper, Gayle awkwardly drops it down near him
20.5 Ferguson to Gayle, 1 run, length ball tapped to mid off and he called "yes, yes, yes" as soon as he hit it
20.6 Ferguson to Hetmyer, DOT.
WI 130/2 (20 overs)
19.1 Santner to Hetmyer, 1 run, short and pulled, along the ground though, to deep square leg
Crowd cheered loudly after Henry fielded that one
19.2 Santner to Gayle, SIX, no chance to catch this! Floated full outside off, he waits on it a little and heaves it into cow corner
19.3 Santner to Gayle, SIX, another one! Dropped very short, Gayle rocks back and pulls into the stands at wide long on. He is in the mood for some hitting!
19.4 Santner to Gayle, DOT.
19.5 Santner to Gayle, 1 run, to long on
19.6 Santner to Hetmyer, 1 run.
WI 114/2 (18 overs)
17.1 Santner to Gayle, DOT, drops it short, cross batted back to the bowler
17.2 Santner to Gayle, SIX, full on leg stump, he heaves it to the deep mid wicket fence, just gets it over the ropes, Munro makes a valiant effort but cannot pull it back in
17.3 Santner to Gayle, 1 run, oh my god, Henry what have you done? It was a full toss, hit straight to deep square leg, and Henry drops a sitter in the deep. How costly will this be?
17.4 Santner to Hetmyer, 1 run.
17.5 Santner to Gayle, DOT, played to short cover
17.6 Santner to Gayle, FOUR, second dropped catch of the over, would you believe it? It was floated on Gayle's legs, he heaves to deep mid wicket again, where Munro lets it burst right through him into the fence. What the hell happened to the Kiwis fielding?
WI 102/2 (17 overs)
Matt Henry is back.
16.1 Henry to Hetmyer, DOT, length ball pitched in line with off stump, defended to the off side
16.2 Henry to Hetmyer, FOUR, short, he was ready for it, pulls it beautifully to the deep mid wicket fence
16.3 Henry to Hetmyer, FOUR, short again, he pulls but very smartly to the backaward square leg fence. There was no one there so it was a safe shot
16.4 Henry to Hetmyer, 1 run, round the wicket he comes, driven to mid off, takes the quick single
16.5 Henry to Gayle, DOT, bowls fuller to Gayle, outside off, and he lets it go
16.6 Henry to Gayle, 1 run.
WI 92/2 (16 overs)
First signs of spin as into the attack comes Mitchell Santner
15.1 Santner to Hetmyer, 1 run, floated up on middle, turned to square leg, he wants two, but Gayle obviously says no
15.2 Santner to Gayle, DOT, drops it short, gives no room at all
15.3 Santner to Gayle, DOT, bowls it quicker, full on middle, dug out well
15.4 Santner to Gayle, DOT, drifter on off, played with an open face to backward point
15.5 Santner to Gayle, 1 run, on leg stump, flicked on one foot to square leg
15.6 Santner to Hetmyer, 1 run.
That will be the first drinks break
WI 89/2 (15 overs)
14.1 Neesham to Hetmyer, DOT, fuller length outside off, he lets it go
14.2 Neesham to Hetmyer, 1 run, short and pulled, these two are not going to hold back to these anymore, goes to the deep mid wicket fielder
14.3 Neesham to Gayle, DOT, strange leave from Gayle. Length just outside off, he makes a late decision to take his bat away from its line
14.4 Neesham to Gayle, DOT, squared up! Length ball on off stump, came in off the cross seam, beats Gayle's inside edge
14.5 Neesham to Gayle, FOUR, short and not so wide, he still manages this to steer it over the man at backward point. Gets his fifty too!
14.6 Neesham to Gayle, DOT.
WI 84/2 (14 overs)
13.1 Ferguson to Gayle, DOT, goes short first ball and Gayle ducks under the pacy bumper
13.2 Ferguson to Gayle, DOT, back of a length ball, angled across, he sways away from the line
13.3 Ferguson to Gayle, DOT, length ball on leg stump, played to backward square leg
13.4 Ferguson to Gayle, 1 run, back of a length again, Gayle defends to the off side and takes the run
13.5 Ferguson to Hetmyer, FOUR, short ball angled across, Shimron cross bats it powerfully down the ground. That ball stayed hit!
13.6 Ferguson to Hetmyer, 1 run.
WI 78/2 (13 overs)
12.1 Neesham to Gayle, DOT, full and wide, angled across inside the tramline
12.2 Neesham to Gayle, 1 run, short and wide, cut uppishly to third man
12.3 Neesham to Hetmyer, 1 run, short and wide, cut well, but backward point stops it very well
12.4 Neesham to Gayle, 1 run, angled across this length ball, played with an angled bat to deep cover point
12.5 Neesham to Hetmyer, DOT, fuller, punched to mid off
12.6 Neesham to Hetmyer, DOT.
WI 71/2 (11 overs)
End of first powerplay and the slower bowler in already. Jimmy Neesham to bowl.
10.1 Neesham to Hetmyer, DOT, gentle length ball to start, a solid front foot defence presented
10.2 Neesham to Hetmyer, FOUR, short and he pulls it strongly, gets it away to the deep mid wicket fence. He may look to attack every ball, can be fatal for Windies
10.3 Neesham to Hetmyer, DOT, fuller on the stumps, dropped down softly near him
10.4 Neesham to Hetmyer, DOT, length ball, angled in, defended
10.5 Neesham to Hetmyer, FOUR, short and he pulls again, to the deep mid wicket fence for a similar result. Good hit!
10.6 Neesham to Hetmyer, FOUR, excellent! Full and outside off, he creams the drive through the covers and wide of the sweeper too
WI 59/2 (10 overs)
First change in bowling and it is Lockie Ferguson to steam in
9.1 Ferguson to Hetmyer, DOT, starts full on leg, defended back
9.2 Ferguson to Hetmyer, DOT, length ball on leg stump, angled across, played to point
9.3 Ferguson to Hetmyer, DOT, yorker just outside off stump, driven straight back
9.4 Ferguson to Hetmyer, FOUR, first short ball of the over and it is put away. Shimron turns and pulls it in front square for a well-hit boundary
9.5 Ferguson to Hetmyer, 1 run, short ball and he pulls again, gets it high on the bat and the edge falls over a backtracking mid on. Gayle might have to have a word with the youngster
9.6 Ferguson to Gayle, FOUR, yorked him and Gayle just turns it past short fine leg, away for a boundary
What a performance by Shami and India!
WI 44/2 (8 overs)
7.1 Henry to Gayle, FOUR, dropped at fine leg! It was short at his hips, he pulls, mistimes it and Boult at fine leg had to run a very long way, tries his best with a dive, cannot catch it. It goes for four too
7.2 Henry to Gayle, SIX, no chance this time! Length angled across, wide of off too, pulled powerfully into the long on stands
7.3 Henry to Gayle, SIX, he has had enough of defending now. Short again, he pulls again, this time it goes just over the ropes at fine leg
7.4 Henry to Gayle, DOT, short still, pulled again, but mistimed to mid wicket
7.5 Henry to Gayle, WIDE, short again. He is not thinking straight but atleast drops it outside off and out of Gayle's arc this time. Deemed too high
7.5 Henry to Gayle, 1 run, guides it to short third and takes the run
7.6 Henry to Hetmyer, DOT.
WI 26/2 (7 overs)
Shimron Hetmyer walks out still wearing his gloves, he was clearly not expecting to come out so soon
6.3 Boult to Hetmyer, DOT, starts off on a length, angled in, played to short mid wicket
6.4 Boult to Hetmyer, FOUR, good shot! Overpitched on middle, Shimron flicks it with one foot in the air, and gets it past shorr mid wicket for his first boundary
6.5 Boult to Hetmyer, 2 runs, played to backward square for a couple. Was in the air for a while but no harm done
6.6 Boult to Hetmyer, DOT.
WI 20/2 (6.2 overs)
6.1 Boult to Pooran, DOT, length ball, coming in a little, defended to mid wicket
6.2 Boult to Pooran, OUT, second one down! Short ball, he wanted to pull, got a top edge, misjudged the pace and it is an easy catch for the keeper
Pooran c Latham b Boult 1(7)
WI 20/1 (6 overs)
5.1 Henry to Gayle, DOT, goes short, gets Gayle to sway away from the line again
5.2 Henry to Gayle, FOUR, short again, on the leg stump though, Gayle helps it away to the backward square leg fence. First boundary!
5.3 Henry to Gayle, SIX, boom! Full and on off, Gayle powers it over the deep mid wicket fence for the first six too. Good hit!
5.4 Henry to Gayle, WIDE, full and very wide, outside Gayle's arc, it shot through after landing, Tom behind the stumps takes it very well
5.4 Henry to Gayle, DOT, short now again, pulled straight to mid on
5.5 Henry to Gayle, DOT, goes short again, looks to pull but is hit on his body
5.6 Henry to Gayle, DOT.
WI 9/1 (5 overs)
4.1 Boult to Gayle, 1 run, very full, goes as a low full toss, flicked to square leg
4.2 Boult to Pooran, DOT.
4.3 Boult to Pooran, 1 run, short and wide, cut uppishly to third man
4.4 Boult to Gayle, DOT, beats the edge! Length ball outside off, swung away off the pitch, past Gayle's angled bat
4.5 Boult to Gayle, 1 run, length outside off, played with an open face to third man
4.6 Boult to Pooran, DOT.
WI 6/1 (4 overs)
Nicolas Pooran walks out at no.3
3.1 Henry to Gayle, DOT, goes short immediately, Gayle ducks under it
3.2 Henry to Gayle, DOT, length ball on the stumps, defended to the off side
3.3 Henry to Gayle, 2 leg byes, full on leg stump, glanced to fine leg off the pads
3.4 Henry to Gayle, DOT, length ball angled across, drops his wrists and lets it go
3.5 Henry to Gayle, DOT, fuller length, angled across, Gayle cuts fiercely, straight to cover point
3.6 Henry to Gayle, 1 run.
WI 3/1 (2.4 overs)
2.1 Boult to Gayle, DOT, length on the stumps, defends it to point Gayle
2.2 Boult to Gayle, 1 run, length ball again, tapped to mid on and he takes the quick single
2.3 Boult to Hope, DOT, full and wide, chopped to backward point
2.4 Boult to Hope, OUT, gone! Full and wide again, enticing Hope into the drive, he obliges but is caught out by the pace, it takes the inside edge onto the stumps. Hope walks early!
Hope b Boult 1(3)
WI 2/0 (2 overs)
Matt Henry from the other end
1.1 Henry to Hope, 1 run, back of a length to start off, easily guided to third man. WI and Hope are away!
1.2 Henry to Gayle, DOT, goes a little fuller, angled across Gayle, he lets it go
1.3 Henry to Gayle, DOT, much fuller, wide outside off, but Gayle is never known to drive on the front foot. Lets it go
1.4 Henry to Gayle, DOT, opts for the short one, Gayle sways away from its line
1.5 Henry to Gayle, DOT, back of a length ball, angled across, defended to cover point
1.6 Henry to Gayle, 1 run, off the mark
WI 0/0 (1 over)
Gayle and Hope walk out to the crease. Hope is opening in place of Lewis because the latter went off the field mid way into the NZ innings, and can only bat at no.7 if the need arises. The opening duo will look to give a good start, with Hope in good form lately. Let's see how it goes, Trent Boult it will be with the new ball.
0.1 Boult to Gayle, DOT, starts full, ala Cottrell, Gayle blocks it out
0.2 Boult to Gayle, DOT, goes short immediately! Suprised Chris, and it goes off his shoulder, Latham takes it acrobatically
0.3 Boult to Gayle, DOT, full again, almost a yorker, dug out well
0.4 Boult to Gayle, DOT, beauty! He is mixing them up nicely, bowls length this time, seams away off the pitch to beat the edge
0.5 Boult to Gayle, DOT, length on the stumps, defended well
0.6 Boult to Gayle, DOT. Maiden!
NZ 291/8 (50 overs)
Last over and it will be Carlos Brathwaite
49.1 Brathwaite to Santner, 1 run, yorker on the stumps well executed, driven to long on
49.2 Brathwaite to Neesham, 1 run, full and wide, dug out to mid off
49.3 Brathwaite to Santner, 2 runs, slower length ball, pulled wide of deep square leg, takes two
49.4 Brathwaite to Santner, SIX, full toss and he deposits this over the ropes at deep mid wicket! A simple shot at Carlos' pace, and he actually just got enough on it
49.5 Brathwaite to Santner, OUT, gone now! Bowls it full, slow again, Mitch wants to slog (obviously), gets it very high in the air and who else but Sheldon to get under it and take it safely
Santner c Cottrell b Brathwaite 10(5)
Matt Henry walks out for the last ball
49.6 Brathwaite to Neesham, OUT, another one! Full and wide of off, hit powerfully down the ground, but straight down the throat of mid off. Guess who took it?
Neesham c Cottrell b Brathwaite 28(23)
NZ 281/6 (49 overs)
48.1 Cottrell to Neesham, OUT, brilliant, absolutely brilliant! He bowled this full, deceived Jimmy on the flick, who wore it on his pads. Colin on the other end was already halfway down the pitch, Sheldon runs forward, picks it up, turns and throws all in one quick motion to hit the bulls eye. He has been in top form with ball and on the field today
de Grandhomme run out (Cottrell) 16(6)
Mitchell Santner is the new man in
48.2 Cottrell to Neesham, 2 runs.
48.3 Cottrell to Neesham, 1 run, length ball on the body, dabbed to short third man
48.4 Cottrell to Santner, WIDE, back of a length, just past the leg stump
48.4 Cottrell to Santner, 1 run, full and following Mitch as he backed away, he drives to long on
48.5 Cottrell to Neesham, 2 runs, full toss on the stumps, played to deep mid wicket for a couple
48.6 Cottrell to Neesham, FOUR, short and he pulls it to the fence at wide long on. Bad end to the over and Cottrell's spell
NZ 270/5 (48 overs)
Colin de Grandhomme, the star for NZ in their last game, walks out to the middle
47.1 Brathwaite to de Grandhomme, 2 runs, full and wide, powerfully driven to wide long off, gets two
47.2 Brathwaite to de Grandhomme, WIDE, too wide now, past the tramline
47.2 Brathwaite to de Grandhomme, FOUR, goes wide again, is full too, and that is slashed away through gully for a boundary
47.3 Brathwaite to de Grandhomme, 2 runs, slow ball, short and wide, cut to deep point for another couple
47.4 Brathwaite to de Grandhomme, 1 run, yorker outside off, dug out to short third
47.5 Brathwaite to Neesham, 1 run, goes short this time and is pulled to deep mid wicket
47.6 Brathwaite to de Grandhomme, SIX, full and wide, that is hit powerfully to sweeper cover, and the man misjudges the flight, drops the catch after leaping up and worse, it goes for six
NZ 251/5 (46.3 overs)
46.1 Cottrell to Neesham, 1 run, full and outside off, lifted down to long on
46.2 Cottrell to Williamson, DOT, it is on a length, Kane shuffles across, looks to heave it away, cannot connect
46.3 Cottrell to Williamson, OUT, skipper walks! It is the fourth wicket of the game for Sheldon and what a game he is having! Throws it full, Kane shuffled across to heave it away again, got it on the top of the bat, goes up very high in the air, and Hope takes an excellent catch with those big mitts. Gets a well-deserved round of applause, the NZ skipper
Williamson c Hope b Cottrell 148(154)
NZ 250/4 (46 overs)
Williamson has now scored the most runs in WC without being dismissed with 332* currently. Goes past Kumar Sangakkara
Brathwaite is back.
45.1 Brathwaite to Neesham, 1 run, full outside off, driven fiercely down the ground, Cottrell at mid off has been excellent today, saves three
45.2 Brathwaite to Williamson, DOT, makes some room again, Carlos throws it wide of off, inside the tramline though. Good bowling
45.3 Brathwaite to Williamson, 1 run, short and wide, cut to deep extra cover
45.4 Brathwaite to Neesham, SIX, full on middle from round the wicket, Jimmy picks it up and gets it to the deep mid wicket fence, Hetmyer caught it and threw it back but his foot was on the ropes when he did
45.5 Brathwaite to Neesham, 2 runs, wide yorker, driven well to deep extra cover, couple taken
45.6 Brathwaite to Neesham, 1 run.
He is bringing India back into the game!
NZ 228/4 (44 overs)
43.1 Cottrell to Neesham, DOT, short and wide, chopped to short cover
43.2 Cottrell to Neesham, 1 run, length ball driven straight to mid off and he takes the quick single! Mid off broke the stumps but Jimmy was well in
43.3 Cottrell to Williamson, DOT, inside edge call goes upstairs! Soft signal is out. This was a length ball, cramping Kane for room, he looks to work it away, it made some sound as it passed through and Shai Hope behind the stumps flew to his left to take a blinder. He has not actually. It went into his glove off the inside edge, but it rolled off his big mitts
43.4 Cottrell to Williamson, FOUR, now he gets the cut! Makes room, and cuts the length ball through point for a beautiful boundary
43.5 Cottrell to Williamson, DOT, short on leg stump, looks to swivel it away, does not connect
43.6 Cottrell to Williamson, SIX, what a hit! Full ball on leg stump, he simply lifts this, and it goes over the ropes at backward square leg
NZ 217/4 (43 overs)
Jimmy Neesham walks out to the middle
42.1 Nurse to Neesham, DOT, short ball, defended back
42.2 Nurse to Neesham, DOT, driven to short mid wicket
42.3 Nurse to Neesham, 1 run, front foot stride and driven to long on
42.4 Nurse to Williamson, FOUR, short and wide, and it got the punishment. Cut away very well to the backward point boundary
42.5 Nurse to Williamson, 1 run, worked to deep mid wicket
42.6 Nurse to Neesham, 1 run.
NZ 210/4 (41.5 overs)
Cottrell is back.
41.1 Cottrell to Latham, 1 run, short on his body, swivelled to square leg in the deep
41.2 Cottrell to Williamson, 1 run, short again, he makes room to cut, and does to to the man at cover point
41.3 Cottrell to Latham, 1 run, full and straight, flicked to deep square leg
41.4 Cottrell to Williamson, 1 run, low full toss, he comes down and drives to extra cover
41.5 Cottrell to Latham, OUT, gone! Out comes the salute and Tom's horror WC continues. Just could not get going today and he had to go for the attacking shots, looks to slog this away, it lobs up and it is a simple catch for the bowler
Latham c & b Cottrell 12(16)
NZ 206/3 (41 overs)
We are into the final powerplay and NZ have got to put up a competitive score on the board. This seems very less
40.1 Nurse to Latham, DOT.
40.2 Nurse to Latham, 1 run, full on middle, driven down to long on
40.3 Nurse to Williamson, DOT, got a glove on that sweep, not given wide
40.4 Nurse to Williamson, 1 run, yorker from a spinner, dug to point
40.5 Nurse to Latham, 1 run, down the track and lifted over short cover for only one
40.6 Nurse to Williamson, FOUR, wants to cut the short ball, and the outside edge runs away fine to the third manfence
NZ 199/3 (40 overs)
39.1 Holder to Williamson, FOUR, length ball on the stumps, he shuffled across, got inside the line of the ball, and picked it up to help it away behind square. Clever batting!
39.2 Holder to Williamson, FOUR, wow! Full ball outside off, he drives on the up, through extra cover and mid off, and away she goes
39.3 Holder to Williamson, 1 run, guided to third man
Kane Williamson has now scored 300 runs in the WC without being dismissed
39.4 Holder to Latham, 1 run, worked away to backward square for a single
39.5 Holder to Williamson, 1 run, little short and wide too, punched to extra cover
39.6 Holder to Latham, 1 run.
NZ 183/3 (38 overs)
37.1 Roach to Latham, 1 run.
37.2 Roach to Williamson, DOT, driven to short cover
37.3 Roach to Williamson, FOUR, poor ball down leg, helped away to fine leg for a boundary. That is the second consecutive hundred and it has been another gritty innings. What a player he is, what a captain he is! Leading from the front
37.4 Roach to Williamson, DOT, drops it down near point
37.5 Roach to Williamson, 1 run, length on his body, easy tuck to square leg
Only 11 people have scored back-to-back WC hundreds and Williamson has joined a very elite list
37.6 Roach to Latham, 1 run.
NZ 176/3 (37 overs)
Gayle has walked off the field here, maybe to get some ice on that shoulder, says Doull on air. The captain has brought himself back on.
36.1 Holder to Williamson, DOT, full ball, angling in, defended on the front foot
36.2 Holder to Williamson, 1 run, tucks to square leg and he is on 99 now
36.3 Holder to Latham, 1 run, full and wide, crashes the drive to deep cover, only for a single
36.4 Holder to Williamson, DOT, almost a mix-up. Tom at the other end shouted no atleast five times, didn't want to get his skip run out on 99!
36.5 Holder to Williamson, DOT, tucked to short mid wicket. Still 99
36.6 Holder to Williamson, DOT.
NZ 174/3 (36 overs)
Tom Latham is the man in at no.5. Gayle swung his hand so hard in that celebration, he almsot hurt himself! Hilarious scenes. Meanwhile Roach is back.
35.1 Roach to Williamson, 2 runs, moves to 95 now. He is motoring to consecutive hundreds here
35.2 Roach to Williamson, 2 runs, short and slightly wide, punched to deep extra cover for another couple
35.3 Roach to Williamson, DOT, plays with an open face to point
The crowd has suddenly woken up, in a Mexican wave now, in anticipation of the century or Gayle's wicket, we do not know
35.4 Roach to Williamson, 1 run, punched to short cover, takes the single because it is Gayle there and he will never in a million years be quick enough
35.5 Roach to Latham, DOT, walks down the track and defends
35.6 Roach to Latham, DOT.
NZ 167/3 (34.3 overs)
34.1 Gayle to Taylor, WIDE, down leg
34.1 Gayle to Taylor, DOT, played straight to short cover
34.2 Gayle to Taylor, OUT, he breaks the partnership! It is quicker on middle, Ross walked down too, took it on the half volley, lofted it, wanted to go over mid off but it is the tallest man on the field stationed there. No way it was going over him
Taylor c Holder b Gayle 69(95)
NZ 166/2 (34 overs)
Brathwaite is back.
33.1 Brathwaite to Williamson, 1 run, rolls to the keeper of the chop
33.2 Brathwaite to Taylor, DOT, makes room to cut, Carlos follows him and Ross wears it on his pads
33.3 Brathwaite to Taylor, 1 run, follows him again, somehow glanced to short fine for one
33.4 Brathwaite to Williamson, FOUR, short and wide, was always trouble to an in-form batsman, punched wide of short cover for a welcome boundary. Into the nineties!
33.5 Brathwaite to Williamson, 1 run, length ball tucked to deep square leg
33.6 Brathwaite to Taylor, 1 run.
NZ 158/2 (33 overs)
Universe Boss into the attack!
32.1 Gayle to Williamson, 1 run, goes short first ball, worked away to deep mid wicket
32.2 Gayle to Taylor, 1 run, pitches it fuller, nudged to square leg
32.3 Gayle to Williamson, 1 run, tickled to short fine leg
32.4 Gayle to Taylor, 1 run, half volley on middle, pushed past short mid wicket, who should have fielded it really
32.5 Gayle to Williamson, 1 run, easy worked off the back foot to square leg
32.6 Gayle to Taylor, DOT.
NZ 153/2 (32 overs)
31.1 Thomas to Williamson, 1 run, length ball outside off, easily steered to third man, he plays that shot excellently
31.2 Thomas to Taylor, DOT, wants to tuck the length ball away, wears it on the flap of his pad
31.3 Thomas to Taylor, DOT, length on the body, defended back down the wicket
31.4 Thomas to Taylor, 2 runs, poor line, down leg, easily helped to backward square for a couple of runs
31.5 Thomas to Taylor, DOT, short and wide, pulled to the man at short mid wicket
31.6 Thomas to Taylor, DOT.
Drinks will be taken officially now
Mr. Reliables!
NZ 136/2 (29 overs)
28.1 Nurse to Williamson, 2 runs, comes down the pitch and drives it aerially down the ground, long on cuts it off, they take two
28.2 Nurse to Williamson, 1 run, driven to long on
28.3 Nurse to Taylor, 1 run.
28.4 Nurse to Williamson, 2 runs, driven to deep extra cover and they take another couple
28.5 Nurse to Williamson, DOT, punched to mid on
28.6 Nurse to Williamson, 1 run.
NZ 129/2 (28 overs)
The two batsmen have been getting drinks on the field constantly, seems like it is quite hot out there. It is not disturbing the change over much so the umpires are allowing it for now
27.1 Cottrell to Taylor, 1 run, flicked to square leg
27.2 Cottrell to Williamson, 2 runs, short and wide, chopped to wide third man, good enough for two
27.3 Cottrell to Williamson, FOUR, gorgeous shot! Full on middle from round the wicket, he pushes it down the ground with great timing for four
27.4 Cottrell to Williamson, DOT, plays this full to mid on
27.5 Cottrell to Williamson, DOT, drives this straight down again, Sheldon is able to field though
27.6 Cottrell to Williamson, 1 run.
NZ 121/2 (27 overs)
26.1 Nurse to Williamson, DOT, a front foot check drive back to the bowler
26.2 Nurse to Williamson, DOT, wanted to cut the short one, it kept a tad low and that was enough to throw him off
26.3 Nurse to Williamson, DOT, driven back to Nurse
26.4 Nurse to Williamson, 2 runs, length ball on leg, turned away to deep mid wicket and they hare back for two
26.5 Nurse to Williamson, 1 run, worked down to long on with some good wrist work
26.6 Nurse to Taylor, 1 run.
NZ 117/2 (26 overs)
Cottrell is back into the attack.
25.1 Cottrell to Williamson, 1 run, starts with a poor 'hit me ball' down leg, glanced to fine leg
25.2 Cottrell to Taylor, 1 run, big grunt and then delivers the slower ball, nudged to square leg
25.3 Cottrell to Williamson, DOT, goes short now, Kane sways away from the line
25.4 Cottrell to Williamson, 2 runs, short but cramped for room, still managed to cut it square, third man keeps them to two
25.5 Cottrell to Williamson, 1 run, quick single taken after a gentle push to mid on
25.6 Cottrell to Taylor, DOT.
NZ 105/2 (24 overs)
23.1 Roach to Taylor, DOT, length on off, pushed towards mid off
23.2 Roach to Taylor, DOT, full ball on leg, flicked to short mid wicket
23.3 Roach to Taylor, DOT, takes a step forward to defend this down the pitch
23.4 Roach to Taylor, 1 run, comes down, and pushes this half volley to mid on the bounce
23.5 Roach to Williamson, 1 run, awkwardly played to square leg and that is fifty for the skip. Typically busy innings
23.6 Roach to Taylor, FOUR, straight down the ground for four and that is fifty for him too. Good partnership this
NZ 99/2 (23 overs)
Finally some spin, and Holding and Doull on air will be happy to see this, have been advocating it for a while. Ashley Nurse into the attack.
22.1 Nurse to Williamson, 1 run, length ball spinning in, punched down to long on
22.2 Nurse to Taylor, 1 run, more flight, fuller too, driven to sweeper
22.3 Nurse to Williamson, DOT, full wide of off, goes for the booming drive, gets an outside edge which rolls to short third
22.4 Nurse to Williamson, DOT, guided straight to short third
22.5 Nurse to Williamson, 1 run, to long on
22.6 Nurse to Taylor, 1 run.
NZ 95/2 (22 overs)
Roach is brought back to the attack.
21.1 Roach to Williamson, DOT, immediate injection of pace, length ball angling in, played to mid on
21.2 Roach to Williamson, DOT, length outside off this time, defended to point
21.3 Roach to Williamson, DOT, length ball which rose up a bit, punched back on the hop
21.4 Roach to Williamson, 1 run, full on leg, easy nudge to deep square leg
21.5 Roach to Taylor, DOT, fuller ball on off, defended back
21.6 Roach to Taylor, FOUR, poor down leg, glanced away very fine to the fine leg fence. Poor end to the over
NZ 90/2 (21 overs)
20.1 Brathwaite to Williamson, DOT, driven to mid on, wants the run and then says no. Running has been scratchy so far
20.2 Brathwaite to Williamson, FOUR, good shot. Makes some room Kane, and cuts this length ball in front of point for a boundary
20.3 Brathwaite to Williamson, 2 runs, flicked to deep square leg and takes a couple
20.4 Brathwaite to Williamson, 1 run, plays this length ball to fine leg
20.5 Brathwaite to Taylor, 1 run, short ball pulled to deep square leg
20.6 Brathwaite to Williamson, 1 run.
NZ 81/2 (20 overs)
19.1 Thomas to Williamson, DOT, wants to guide it down but there is a short third in place to prevent it
19.2 Thomas to Williamson, DOT, another dab down to Gayle at short third man
19.3 Thomas to Williamson, 1 run, finally gets it to third man
19.4 Thomas to Taylor, DOT, taps it to short cover, wanted the run initially, then says no
19.5 Thomas to Taylor, DOT, played straight to cover
19.6 Thomas to Taylor, FOUR, short and wide, cut powerfully in front of cover, and it was running away always when it beat the man there
NZ 76/2 (19 overs)
Carlos Brathwaite comes into the attack.
18.1 Brathwaite to Williamson, 1 run, length on the body, tucked to square leg, it is a very late call for the single. Holding on air wants to send out boxing gloves for both batsmen, because they may have a go at each other soon, the way they are calling for the runs
18.2 Brathwaite to Taylor, DOT.
18.3 Brathwaite to Taylor, DOT, wants to cut, but that came back in off the pitch, almost cops it on the helmet there Ross, gets his bat across in time though
18.4 Brathwaite to Taylor, DOT, defended down the ground
18.5 Brathwaite to Taylor, 1 run, that was short at gentle pace, pulled straight to square leg in the deep
18.6 Brathwaite to Williamson, 1 run.
NZ 73/2 (18 overs)
17.1 Thomas to Taylor, FOUR, lovely! Gets a gentle half volley on middle stump, he presents a straight bat to drive it down the ground with gorgeous timing which beats the mid on fielder comfortably
17.2 Thomas to Taylor, 1 run, goes back of a length, tucked to mid wicket for one
17.3 Thomas to Williamson, 1 run, poor length ball down leg, helped to fine leg
17.4 Thomas to Taylor, DOT, some confusion with the running. Ross flicked to short mid wicket and set off, his partner says no and he has his arms wide to ask 'what was that' as he was running back to the crease!
17.5 Thomas to Taylor, DOT.
17.6 Thomas to Taylor, DOT.
On fire!
NZ 59/2 (16 overs)
15.1 Thomas to Williamson, DOT, full ball, chipped a little to mid on, falls well short though
15.2 Thomas to Williamson, DOT, fuller outside off, defended on the front foot
15.3 Thomas to Williamson, DOT, length this time, jumps up a little to play the punch to cover point
15.4 Thomas to Williamson, 2 runs, tucked to deep mid wicket and they take a couple to bring up the 50-run partnership
15.5 Thomas to Williamson, DOT, punched off the back foot to cover point again. That should have been put away, it was short and wide
15.6 Thomas to Williamson, 1 run.
NZ 56/2 (15 overs)
14.1 Holder to Taylor, FOUR, good shot! Goes short Jason, Ross rolls his wrists on the pull, and gets it wide of mid on for a boundary
14.2 Holder to Taylor, DOT, better line and length, goes a little full on off, defended back
14.3 Holder to Taylor, 1 run, pushes this to mid on and takes a quick single, none of the Windies players are quick athletes on the field so no threat
14.4 Holder to Williamson, 1 run, tucked to deep mid wicket
14.5 Holder to Taylor, 1 run, down the track, takes it on the half volley, pushed to mid off
14.6 Holder to Williamson, 1 run.
That will be drinks as well
NZ 48/2 (14 overs)
Change of bowling and it is Oshane Thomas into the attack.
13.1 Thomas to Taylor, DOT, goes full first ball, outside off, drive mistimed to mid off
13.2 Thomas to Taylor, 1 run, full again, flicked to square leg for a single
13.3 Thomas to Williamson, DOT.
13.4 Thomas to Williamson, FOUR, he cuts loose as well! Short and wide, asking for trouble, cut away past backward point for an easy boundary
13.5 Thomas to Williamson, DOT, back of a length on the body, defended on the jump
13.6 Thomas to Williamson, DOT.
NZ 43/2 (13 overs)
12.1 Holder to Taylor, DOT, fuller length, angling in a little, defended to the leg side
12.2 Holder to Taylor, 1 run, fuller on off, flicked on one leg to deep square leg
12.3 Holder to Williamson, 1 run, goes back of a length, coming in a little, Kane hops up to steer it down to third man
12.4 Holder to Taylor, DOT, length on the stumps, nudged to short mid wicket
12.5 Holder to Taylor, FOUR, finally! Comes down the track, and slogs this length delivery across the line to the deep mid wicket fence
12.6 Holder to Taylor, 1 run.
NZ 36/2 (12 overs)
11.1 Roach to Williamson, DOT, length outside off, pushed to short cover, where Gayle fields and is cheered loudly
11.2 Roach to Williamson, 2 runs, goes short but wrong line, down leg, helped away fine past the keeper, fine leg stops it with his leg, well done!
11.3 Roach to Williamson, DOT, goes length on the stumps thistime, defended on the back foot
11.4 Roach to Williamson, 2 runs, a littler fuller, pushed down the ground, just past the stumps, they amble for two by the time Oshane Thomas chases it down
11.5 Roach to Williamson, DOT, defended down the pitch
11.6 Roach to Williamson, DOT.
An over you only dream about!
NZ 30/2 (10 overs)
9.1 Roach to Taylor, DOT, full ball outside off, defended down the ground with ease. Looks a bit more settled now, Ross Taylor
9.2 Roach to Taylor, DOT, length on off, easy front foot defence
9.3 Roach to Taylor, 2 runs, tucked to deep square leg, and they run two by the time fine leg gets to it
9.4 Roach to Taylor, DOT, full ball outside off, pushed down to mid off
9.5 Roach to Taylor, DOT, gets this one to straighten after pitching, a slight outside edge from Ross goes towards cover
9.6 Roach to Taylor, DOT.
NZ 28/2 (9 overs)
Change of bowling and the skipper brings himself on.
8.1 Holder to Taylor, DOT, he is not as fast as the others, goes full outside off, easily pushed to mid off
8.2 Holder to Taylor, 1 run, full again on off, Ross nails the on drive, wide of mid on, but he does extremely well to stop it with a dive
8.3 Holder to Williamson, 1 run, length this time, into Kane's body, tucked to square leg
8.4 Holder to Taylor, DOT, length again, angling into the batsman, defended with soft hands to silly mid on. He is placed there because Ross loves the wristly on drives, may just chip one to the man
8.5 Holder to Taylor, DOT, defended down the ground
8.6 Holder to Taylor, 1 run.
NZ 25/2 (8 overs)
7.1 Roach to Williamson, DOT, length ball angled in, he did not pick the length, is hit flush on the gloves
7.2 Roach to Williamson, DOT, goes fuller, defended to the leg side
7.3 Roach to Williamson, DOT, nice pace on this one, goes full on middle stump, defended back again
7.4 Roach to Williamson, DOT, slightly back of a length, worked away wristily to mid on
7.5 Roach to Williamson, DOT, it is short and wide this time, Kane wants to be watchful, punches to cover point
7.6 Roach to Williamson, DOT, maiden again!
NZ 25/2 (7 overs)
6.1 Cottrellto Williamson, DOT, length ball angled across, outside off, defended on the front foot
6.2 Cottrellto Williamson, 1 run, length ball dug into the pitch, rises up to the hips, fended to short fine leg
6.3 Cottrellto Taylor, 1 run, and again. Into his body this one, worked to square leg for a single
6.4 Cottrellto Williamson, DOT, goes fuller in search of some swing, nothing here, defended with a straight bat
6.5 Cottrellto Williamson, DOT, goes for the surprise bouncer, it is actually back of a length, Kane sways away from its line
6.6 Cottrellto Williamson, 1 run.
NZ 22/2 (6 overs)
5.1 Roach to Taylor, DOT, he is not entirely in line with the pace on this pitch is Ross. This length ball is angled into him, he is hurried by it and has to defend with fast hands
5.2 Roach to Taylor, DOT, fuller ball, coming in slightly, beats the outside edge. Testing times indeed for both batsmen
5.3 Roach to Taylor, DOT, length ball angled in, defended much more solidly
5.4 Roach to Taylor, DOT, fuller ball, coming in because of Kemar's bowling action, straightens a bit, catches the edge but falls short of slip
5.5 Roach to Taylor, DOT, length ball, comes down a step, defends to short cover
5.6 Roach to Taylor, DOT. Maiden again
NZ 22/2 (5 overs)
4.1 Cottrell to Taylor, DOT, goes full again, outside off, Ross presses forward and drives it to cover
4.2 Cottrell to Taylor, 1 run, length ball hurrying into him, he tucks to short mid wicket somehow and sets off, comfortably makes it in despite the fielder breaking the stumps down
4.3 Cottrell to Williamson, DOT, goes length this time to Kane, who defends solidly on the back foot
4.4 Cottrell to Williamson, DOT, length outside off, no threats of swing, easily let go
4.5 Cottrell to Williamson, DOT, slightly back of a length, on Kane's body, he hops up to defend
4.6 Cottrell to Williamson, DOT.
NZ 21/2 (4 overs)
3.1 Roach to Taylor, 1 run, gentle length ball outside off, nudged to fine leg of a slight inside edge
3.2 Roach to Williamson, DOT, fuller slightly, outside off, Kane lifts his bat to let it go through
3.3 Roach to Williamson, FOUR, wants to defend this length ball, it takes his outside edge, falls short of first slip, and wide too, runs away to the third man fence
3.4 Roach to Williamson, 1 run, this time he controls it much better to dab it down to third man
3.5 Roach to Taylor, 1 run, length ball again, came in a little, outside edge goes towards backward point, played with soft hands so nothing threatening about it
3.6 Roach to Williamson, DOT.
NZ 14/2 (3 overs)
2.1 Cottrell to Williamson, DOT, full again, not quite yorker length, tailing in through the air, defended to mid on
2.2 Cottrell to Williamson, DOT, wide yorker, Kane tries to dig it out, is unable to do so
2.3 Cottrell to Williamson, DOT, jaffa! Lands it on a length, he expects it to come back in, straightens after pitching and whizzes past the edge. Sheldon asking some serious questions!
2.4 Cottrell to Williamson, DOT, another one! Full outside off, Kane tries to push at it without much feet, is beaten on the edge again
2.5 Cottrell to Williamson, DOT, full again outside off, this time he gets bat on it to drive to mid off
2.6 Cottrell to Williamson, DOT. Maiden!
NZ 14/2 (2 overs)
Ross Taylor in at no.4. Kemar Roach from the other end.
1.1 Roach to Taylor, DOT, cramps him for room, so Ross cannot cut
1.2 Roach to Taylor, FOUR, excellent! Full outside off, he gets a nice stride forward and square drives with exquisite timing past point for his first boundary
1.3 Roach to Taylor, DOT, full but straight outside off, defended back
1.4 Roach to Taylor, DOT.
1.5 Roach to Taylor, DOT.
1.6 Roach to Taylor, DOT.
NZ 7/2 (0.5 overs)
Kane Williamson walks out at no.3
0.2 Cottrell to Williamson, 4 runs, they run four! It was a full toss from Sheldon, driven through extra cover and mid off, Brathwaite chases after it comically, puts in the dive, but falls short of the ball and his partner has to run further forward and pull it back. They share a laugh, but that was pretty casual. The batsmen find enough time to run four
0.3 Cottrell to Williamson, DOT.
0.4 Cottrell to Williamson, 3 runs, takes three this time after driving through exttra cover again
0.5 Cottrell to Munro, OUT, oh my word! Both openers out facing their first balls. He bowled this full again, it swung in the air to come back in a little, squared Munro all ends up and Cottrell has two in his first over. Excellent start!
Munro b Cottrell 0(1)
NZ 0/1 (0.1 overs)
Guptill and Munro are the unchanged opening pair to walk out for NZ. They have not had a great time, apart from the Sri Lanka game, and will want to change that today. While Guptill will personally look to not disturb his stumps with anything other than the ball. Here we go!
0.1 Cottrell to Guptill, OUT, huge appeal and it is the DRS on the first ball! Sheldon bowled it very full, the yorker tailed inat pace, striking Martin on the back pad. Hawk eye shows three reds and it is the perfect start for the Windies!
Guptill lbw b Cottrell 0(1)
Time for the national anthems!
New Zealand's anthem is played first, followed by that of West Indies
Team News
New ZealandXI: Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Kane Williamson(c), Ross Taylor, Tom Latham(wk), James Neesham, Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult
West Indies XI: Chris Gayle, Evin Lewis, Shai Hope(wk), Nicholas Pooran, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder(c), Carlos Brathwaite, Ashley Nurse, Oshane Thomas, Kemar Roach, Sheldon Cottrell
WI win toss; to bowl first
Jason Holder calls right and he wants to field first. Brathwaite, Roach and Nurse are back in the team.
Williamson would also have fielded first, he says. He knows the threat West Indies pose and is not taking them lightly by any stretch of imagination. The Kiwis are unchanged.