BASSETERRE – Defiant West Indies withstood a brilliant Ross Taylor hundred to beat New Zealand by 24 runs in the fourth One-Day International (ODI) and clinch a series win over a top eight International Cricket Council side for the first time in four years yesterday.
Defending 264 at Warner Park, West Indies held their nerve in the crucial last ten overs to restrict the Black Caps and bowl them out for 240 with three balls left in the innings, and take a winning 3-1 lead in the five-match series.
Skipper Taylor, in for his first match of the ODI series following injury, batted superbly for 110 from 115 balls to steer the innings but was ninth out in the penultimate over with the Kiwis needing quick runs.
He was one of four wickets for fast bowler Tino Best (four for 46) but it was mystery off-spinner Sunil Narine who strangled the Kiwi batsmen in an excellent spell of two for 20 from his ten overs and earned the Man-Of-The-Match honour.
Kieron Pollard’s fifth ODI half-century had earlier helped West Indies rally to a competitive 264 all out, after they were staring down the barrel at 59 for four in the 18th over.
The aggressive right-hander top-scored with 56 as West Indies were bowled out off the penultimate ball of the innings.
Opting to bat first, the Windies were ripped apart by an incisive spell from seamer Tim Southee (three for 53) before pacer Jacob Oram got among the middle order with three for 42.
There were good supporting knocks from Marlon Samuels who stroked 46, wicketkeeper Devon Thomas who got 37 and Andre Russell who slammed 29. Captain Darren Sammy chipped in with 26. (CMC)
