Black Caps dominate West Indies in second T20 match to win …
Black Caps dominate West Indies in second T20 match to win. In the second Twenty20 international on Saturday morning, Glenn Phillips scored a half-century off 33 balls to lead New Zealand to a 90-run victory against the West Indies and give them a 2-0 series lead.
Phillips led New Zealand to 215-5 when it batted after winning the toss, surpassing the 185-5 that was a winning total in the opening match of the series, after achieving his sixth T20 half century. Phillips went on to 76 off 40 balls. Six sixes and four fours were part of his inning.
New Zealand’s score was the highest by a visiting side against the West Indies in a T20 in the Caribbean, while the West Indies could only muster 125-9 in response, lacking the partnerships that supported the New Zealand total.
With Devon Conway, who hit 42 from 34 balls, and Daryl Mitchell, who made 48 from 20, Phillips put up 71 and 83 points, respectively, for the third wicket.
The finest West Indies performances came during partnerships of 35 for the seventh wicket that started when the host team was 40-6 and the game was likely already over. For the final wicket, Hayden Walsh (10) and Obed McCoy (23) put up a 38-run unbroken partnership.
Phillips made effective use of his familiarity with Sabina Park, his home field in the Caribbean Premier League.
Returning to Sabina Park is wonderful. In a televised interview, Phillips commented, “I have wonderful memories here. “It’s absolutely really special for me to be able to get a 50 for my nation over here in front of a crowd that I truly adore.
“The West Indies deserve credit for their up-front bowling with the new ball, which was very, incredibly effective in slowing the ball’s pace when it was new and tougher. The pitch got a little bit more pleasant to bat on as it grew older.
Spin spinners claimed seven West Indies wickets, including the opening four of the innings.
With his first ball and two wickets in his opening over, Mitchell Santner, the Man of the Match for his 3-19 in the first game, slowed down the West Indies’ run chase.
Off-spinner Michael Bracewell, who started for New Zealand in place of fast bowler Lockie Ferguson, also claimed a wicket with his first ball, getting rid of West Indies skipper Nicholas Pooran (1) when the scoreboard read 12-3 at the start of the fourth over.
Ish Sodhi took home 1-36, while Santner and Bracewell both ended with 3-15. Odean Smith was removed at the tail by Tim Southee, who also claimed the lone fast bowling wicket, giving him a record of 1-34.
Shimron Hetmeyer was the first batter to be run out by a direct smash from New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson at the bowlers end. At that moment, the West Indies trailed 28-5 and were unable to rally.
Pooran stated, “We just didn’t show up today. We couldn’t see our way with the bat when they batted us out of the situation. We had to continue playing. We simply didn’t get off to a good start. Even if we are having trouble, our performance will improve as we play more cricket.
Three one-day international matches will be played on Monday at the same location as the final T20.