New Zealand (NZ) scored an exciting 5-run win over former World champion West Indies (WI). It was heart-break for C. Brathwaite and West Indies as it was a good chance for the West Indies to pull out a win. In the last ball of the 48th over bowled by Neesham, Trent Boult took a breathtaking catch meters inside the long-on boundary and to dismiss C. Brathwaite (101, 82b, 9×4, 5×6) and with that West Indies lost by five-runs.

West Indies from being 20 for two fought back to recover to 142 for two, but New Zealand struck back once again and reduced WI to 164 for seven, but West Indies found a savior in C. Brathwaite who excelled with the willow by striking the ball with telling effect with some massive hitting.

West Indies needed 8 runs off 12 balls, but could not pull out this win and fell five-runs short.

Batting first, New Zealand after being reduced to seven for two at one-stage, recovered through a skipper’s knock of 148 by Kane

Williamson (154b, 14×4, 1×6). he was involved in a vital 16-run third wicket partnership with Ross Taylor (69, 95b, 7×4). Neesham (28) was the other contributor.

New Zealand ended up scoring 291 for eight in 50 overs. Cortell (four for 56) and C. Brathwaite (two for 58) impressed for West Indies.

In reply, West Indies started badly and were 20 for two at one stage. Chris Gayle (87, 84b, 8×4) and Shimron Hetmyer 54 (45b, 8×4, 1×6) added 140-runs for the third wicket.

C. Brathwaite (101) turned the tide for West Indies with some brilliant batting and single handedly to their team to a winning position before he was dismissed. West Indies scored 286 in 49 overs.

Scores

New Zealand: 291 for 8 in 50 overs (Kane Williamson 148, Ross Taylor 69, Neesham 28, Cortell 4 for 56, C. Brathwaite 2

for 58) bt West Indies: 286 in 49 overs (C. Brathwaite 101, C. Gayle 87, Shimron Hetmyer 54, Trent Boult 4 for 30, Lockie Ferguson 3 for 59); Player of the Match: Kane Williamson.