Black Caps wicket keeper Luke Ronchi (2nd L) and bowler Jimmy Neesham celebrate a wicket with the team as West Indies batsman Johnson Charles (L). PHOTO: AFP
New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum was satisfied by the team’s overall performance as an unbeaten 85-run stand between him and Luke Ronchi laid the foundation for New Zealand’s 81-run win over the West Indies in their opening Twenty20 international on Saturday.
The New Zealand batting was backed up by tight bowling, led by Nathan McCullum who celebrated his 50th T20 with figures of four for 24.
“I’m happy with the performance,” said the captain in the post-match conference. “It was a pretty complete performance right from the get-go.”
New Zealand, who elected to bat first, appeared in trouble at 105 for three after 13 overs before Brendon and Ronchi lifted them to 189 for five, which proved too big a target for the West Indies.
The tourists were five for 64 after 11 overs in their reply before staggering through to be eight for 108 at the finish.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 12th, 2014.
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