New Zealand greeted international cricket back in the country with a thrilling five-wicket victory in the first Twenty20 against the West Indies Friday.
Kieron Pollard’s blistering 75 not out powered the Windies to a commanding 180/7 in the Auckland contest which was reduced to 16-overs-a-side following rain interruptions.
New Zealand’s top order let them down but Jimmy Neesham forged important partnerships with debutant Devon Conway and Mitchell Santner to seal victory with four balls to spare.
This was the first international match in New Zealand since the Christchurch test against India that ended on Mar 2.
The home captain was Tim Southee, who led the side in absence of Kane Williamson.
The first five overs of the match contained plenty of the drama, including a couple of rain interruptions.
West Indies toured England for a test series in July and are currently in New Zealand to play three Twenty20 Internationals and two test matches
Posted by Sports Tribune on Wednesday, 25 November 2020
Put into bat, the West Indies plundered 55 runs off the first three overs before the host staged a remarkable comeback.
Lockie Ferguson’s (5/21) double strikes triggered a spectacular collapse as the West Indies slumped from 58 for no loss to 59/5 in the space of 12 deliveries.
Pollard not only arrested the slide but also launched a blistering counter-attack, smashing eight sixes in his 37-ball blitz.
New Zealand’s top order wilted early but Neesham, who remained not out on 48, partnered Conway to revive their chase before pulling it off in company of Santner (31 not out).
The teams now move to Mount Maunganui for the last two Twenty20 matches, to be played Sunday and Monday, before a two-Test series between them.
