New Zealand beat West Indies in 3rd ODI, win series
New Zealand won the three-match ODI series 2-1 after beating the West Indies by five wickets in the series decider. They successfully chased down 302, with Martin Guptill, Devon Conway, Tom Latham, and Daryl Mitchell scoring half-centuries. Trent Boult and Mitchell Santner shared five wickets. Meanwhile, Kyle Mayers' magnificent ton went in vain. The Kiwis won their first-ever ODI series in the West Indies.
How did the match pan out?
WI had a brilliant start after NZ elected to field. Openers Shai Hope (51) and Mayers (105) shared a 173-run stand. Skipper Nicholas Pooran slammed a quickfire 91 (55). However, the hosts suffered a batting collapse thereafter. There were reduced to 280/7 Alzarri Joseph took them past 300. On the other hand, the NZ batting order worked in tandem, guiding them to glory.
Player of the Match
NZ's stand-in skipper Latham was adjudged the Player of the Match. He smashed 69 off 75 deliveries, a knock laced with 6 fours. It was his 18th half-century in ODI cricket. Latham also added a century stand with Daryl for the fourth wicket. The former has now raced to 3,184 runs in the format, which he scored at an average of 35.37.
Maiden ODI series win in WI
As stated, the Black Caps have won their maiden ODI series in the West Indies. However, the Caribbeans still lead the head-to-head series 16-7 at home. In overall bilateral ODIs, New Zealand have a slender lead of 31-30.
Second ODI ton for Mayers
Mayers starred for the West Indies in the first innings. He slammed his second century in ODI cricket, powering the West Indian innings. However, it turned out to be a rather watchful knock. Mayers finished with 105 off 110 balls (12 fours, 3 sixes).
Most ODI wickets at Kensington Oval
WI pacer Alzarri Joseph leaked as many as 61 runs in nine overs. He dismissed NZ opener Martin Guptill in the 20th over. Joseph finished the three-match series with five wickets at 28.80. He now has 22 wickets from nine ODIs at Kensington Oval, the most by a bowler. Star all-rounder Jason Holder follows him with 18 wickets.
Player of the Series
New Zealand all-rounder Mitchell Santner was named the Player of the Series. In the final ODI, he took two wickets for just 38 runs in 10 overs. He finished with four wickets in the series at 21.00. Santner gave away just 84 runs from 24.3 overs in the series. With the bat, he smashed 51 runs in two innings (26* and 25).
