New Zealand beat West Indies
Published:Tuesday | January 13, 2009 | 12:47 PM
New Zealand took advantage of the Duckworth-Lewis calculations to beat West Indies by nine runs in the rain-shortened fifth and final limited overs cricket international in Napier last night.
The home side clinched a 2-1 series victory despite West Indies skipper Chris Gayle making 135 off 129 balls.
Gayle equaled Brian Lara’s West Indies record of 19 one-day centuries as the Caribbean side totaled 293 for nine from their 50 overs. Mark Gillespie was the top bowler for New Zealand with four wickets for 58 runs. Kyle Mills supported with three for 57.
Gayle shared a 170-run partnership for the third wicket with Shivnarine Chanderpaul, who scored 94 off 91 balls, to give the West Indies a superb start.
New Zealand lifted their scoring rate before the rain arrived to reach 211 for five after 35 overs and claim the win.
Daren Powell was the best West Indies bowler with three wickets for 66 runs off his 10 overs. Lionel Baker and Kieron Pollard picked up a wickets apiece.
Ross Taylor, 48 not out, got most runs for New Zealand. Martin Guptill 43, Brendon McCallum also got among the runs.