KINGSTON, Jamaica – West Indies snapped a five-game losing streak with a convincing eight-wicket victory over New Zealand, ending an otherwise miserable three-match series on a high note, yesterday.
Chasing for the third straight time, West Indies were this time confronted with a more manageable target of 146 and overhauled it with an over to spare, courtesy of contrasting half-centuries from Shamarh Brooks (56 not out) and Brandon King (53).
Man-of-the-Series Glenn Phillips had earlier top-scored with 41 from 26 deliveries but New Zealand never really found their best gear after choosing to bat first at Sabina Park, and could only muster 145 for seven from their 20 overs.
Fast bowling all-rounder Odean Smith again led West Indies’ attack with three for 29 while left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein supported with two for 28, the Black Caps labouring to 64 for three at the half-way mark and managing only 39 runs from the last five overs.
The victory came on the back of defeats in the opening two Twenty20 Internationals and a whitewash in the three-match series against India last month. (CMC)
