Ton-up Taylor disappointed as West Indies clinch series

New Zealand captain admits side outplayed after loss in 4th ODI.

BASSETERRE, SAINT KITTS AND NEVIS: New Zealand captain Ross Taylor admitted his side was outplayed by the West Indies as the hosts wrapped up the One-Day International (ODI) series with a 24-run win in the fourth match.

Taylor, playing in his first ODI of the series, hit a fine century but it was not enough to help New Zealand overhaul a competitive 265-run target.

West Indies paceman Tino Best marked his recall with four for 46 but the man-of-the-match award went to spinner Sunil Narine who gave just 20 runs in 10 overs and took two wickets.

Earlier, Kieron Pollard hit a patient half-century as West Indies recovered from 105 for five to manage 264 all out.

“You have got to give credit to them,” said Taylor. “They were under pressure. We would have liked to put the foot down on the throat, but we didn’t execute well. You have got to back yourself to get 79 off the last 10, but you have to give credit to Narine.”

West Indies captain Darren Sammy was pleased with the series win. “It’s a good feeling indeed,” said Sammy. “The good thing for us was that the lower order came through. New Zealand improved as the series went on, but it was good to see we kept our cool.”

Published in The Express Tribune, July 16^th, 2012.