They snapped their one-day losing streak with victory over New Zealand and picked up the much-needed World Cup qualifying points on Wednesday at Kensington Oval. And West Indies will be looking for more of the same when they take on the Black Caps today in the second day/night ODI in Barbados.
A clinical all-round performance gave Nicholas Pooran’s side a five-wicket victory over World No.1-ranked New Zealand in the three-match series.
West Indies fielded New Zealand on a dry pitch that promised to help the spinners and three Windies slow bowlers justified their inclusion by taking five wickets between them
Akeal Hosein (three for 28) set the tone, supported by ODI debutants Kevin Sinclair (one for 37) and Yannic Cariah (one for 49), while pacers Alzarri Joseph (three for 36) and senior H (two for 39 ) kept the Pressure on as New Zealand were bowled out for 190 with 28 balls to spare.
“They handled the pressure very well,” Pooran said of his spinners in a post-match interview. “I think Yannic was brilliant, he showed his talent… The West Indies team has been looking for legs and it’s good for him to get the opportunity…Kevin was in the T20 squad and got his (ODI) opportunity today (Wednesday), he kept it economical like he usually does and it just happened that he can contribute for us today.”
Faced with a target of 191 for victory, WI survived the loss of Kyle Mayers and key batsman Shai Hope inside the first Powerplay and did not lose their grip on the game.
This was largely due to slow-touch bowler Brooks, who scored his first ODI in his native Barbados with a Man-of-the-Match 79, much of which came in a partnership of 75 with captain Pooran for the fourth wicket earlier. Tim Southee removed Pooran two balls after resuming from a rain break.
Brooks told CWI Media it was a “great feeling” to lead the team to victory.
“It’s my first ODI here in Barbados. I remember Jason Holder telling me this morning that I have to make it memorable. I’m happy we got over the line… We all know how important these three ODIs are for us going forward for the World Cup, so it’s good to start with a W.
Both he and Pooran said they regretted not being able to finish the job themselves.
Today, Brooks hopes that he and his teammates can continue to build on what they have been trying to do this year in ODIs.
“We’ve been trying to improve as a team,” he said. “When you look at our last series against India, the batting performances, getting 300-plus in the next innings and even though we lost the games, it was good for a team like us who is now building and preparing for the World Cup next year next.
“To come here and win the first game against the Kiwis in tough conditions is a real plus.”
Looking ahead to today, Brooks added, “I think it’s just about trusting the processes that we’ve put in place, staying consistent…We’ve just got to come back strong, execute the fundamentals and do our best going forward and I believe that we should cross the line.”
