New Zealand win 1st T20I by 5 wickets against West Indies

Pollard strikes big as West Indies score 180 in 16 overs.

It was the 1st T20I between New Zealand and West Indies at Auckland. There was a delayed start to the match due to rain. And once it stopped raining the match started with 4 overs being reduced. New Zealand skipper won the toss and decided to bowl first. West Indies batsman came out to bat and they got off to a flier. Within 3 overs they crossed the 50 run mark. Andre Fletcher 34(14) was the aggressor for West Indies alongside Brandon King 13(10). West indies at one stage were cruising at 58/0 in 3.1 overs. But all of a sudden there was a mini collapse. The whole top and middle order of West Indies got out at single digit scores. From 58/0 West Indies were now at spot of bother with the score reading 59/5.

But Kieron Pollard then joined in and played some huge hits in his innings of 75(37) alongside Fabien Allen 30(26). As they took their side to a massive total of 180/7 in 16 overs. Lockie Ferguson picked 5/21 for New Zealand.

Neesham and Santner take New Zealand home.

Chasing a big total in the 1st T20I New Zealand didn’t have the best of starts as they lost Martin Guptill early. Tim Seifert 17(13) and Devon Conway 41(29) set a good partnership before Seifert got out. Debutant Glenn Phillips came and played a cameo of 22(7) to put pressure on the West Indies bowlers but lasted for just 7 balls. Ross Taylor came in next and didn’t trouble the scorers. The match was evenly positioned at this stage. New Zealand lost Conway 41(29) in the 12th over. But then All rounders Jimmy Neesham 48(24) and Mitchell Santner ensured no more damage was done as they played some massive shots and took their side home with 4 balls to spare. But Lockie Ferguson backed the man of the Match Award. For his impressive spell of 5/21 in a high scoring encounter which went down till the last over.

Match Score Summary

West Indies : Pollard 75 (37), Andre Fletcher 34 (14), Fabian Allen 30 (26), Oshane Thomas 3-0-23-2
New Zealand : Devon Conway 41 (29), James Neesham 48 (24), Mitchell Santer 31 (18), Ferguson 4-0-21-5, Southee 3-0-22-2

Also read: Australia beat India by 66 runs in the first ODI at SCG

Score Source