New Zealand v West Indies 2008-09
Wisden's review of New Zealand v West Indies, 3rd ODI, 2008-09
Don Cameron
15-Apr-2009
At Westpac Stadium, Wellington, January 7, 2009 (day/night). New Zealand won by seven wickets. Toss: New Zealand.
Woeful batting and undisciplined bowling turned West Indies' delight at their victory four days
earlier into the despair of heavy defeat. Their total was only five more than their lowest against
New Zealand, who levelled the series even before the need for the floodlights, with all of 177
balls remaining. Only the reliable Chanderpaul, fit again after missing the first two matches,
managed a reasonable score after West Indies were put in. By the time Vettori introduced himself,
four wickets were already down for 55; he claimed the next four for 20 from ten mesmeric overs
before the last two wickets shared the best two stands of the innings. New Zealand faltered to 40
for three against the lively Powell, and the outcome would have been closer, if hardly different,
but for two setbacks for West Indies in successive overs. First umpire Benson did not detect
Taylor's gloved leg-side deflection to the diving Ramdin off Powell, then Pollard dropped Flynn
at cover. New Zealand would have been 53 for five and the contest alive. Instead, West Indies
reacted to their misfortune with a rash of wides, byes and wayward bowling, as Taylor and Flynn
coasted to victory in a partnership of 89 from 13 overs. Pollard, who smashed a pane of glass in
the dressing-room after being given out lbw by Benson, received a reprimand from the referee,
but escaped a fine.
Man of the Match: D. L. Vettori.