WINDIES take on New Zealand
Published:Tuesday | January 6, 2009 | 3:40 PM
The West Indies will chase an unassailable 2-nil lead tonight when they clash with hosts New Zealand in the third One-Day International of the five-match series, which takes place at the Westpac Stadium at 8 p.m. Jamaica time.
The West Indies beat the Black Caps with a ball to spare in Christchurch last Saturday in a game reduced to 28 overs per side and now believe they can repeat that feat.
The teams will be hoping for a full match especially with both games in the series to date being hit by rain. The opening One Day in Queenstown was abandoned after just 36 overs while the second match was reduced to 28 overs.
The win in Christchurch was particularly important for West Indies after they had lost their last eight One Day Internationals to top-ranked opposition last year.
West Indies have been lifted by the news that Shivnarine Chanderpaul might make a return for the match, though team officials have again indicated that any decision to suit up the prolific left-hander will be made on match day.
In contrast, New Zealand are anxiously sweating on the fitness of key all-rounder Jacob Oram who is struggling with an inflamed Achilles tendon in his left leg.