Bowlers, Shamarh Brooks guide West Indies to their first ODI victory after two months

West Indies go 1-0 up in the series

West Indies secured a five-wicket victory over New Zealand in the first fixture of the bilateral ODI series on Wednesday (August 17) in Barbados.

Invited to bat first, Martin Guptill and Finn Allen provided a stable start to the New Zealand team. However, Akeal Hosein sent them back to the hut in quick succession.

Then, Kane Williamson (34) tried well to stitch partnerships and emerged as the top contributor for the Kiwi team. In the latter half, Michael Bracewell and Mitchell Santner added 40 runs for the seventh wicket to help the visitors finish on a total of 190.

Shamarh Brooks leads a strong resistance to boost Caribbean team

In response, West Indies lost their in-form batter Kyle Mayers early. The experienced Shai Hope (26) was elegant during his stay at the crease. 

Brooks contributed 79 to help West Indies seal a victory

Afterwards, Shamarh Brooks stitched a 37-run stand with Keacy Carty to stabilize the team. Then, the 33-year-old added 75 runs for the fourth wicket with skipper Nicholas Pooran to further solidify hosts in their pursuit to chase down the total. 

Brooks was dismissed by Trent Brent for a well-compiled 79 off 91, laced with nine fours and a six. The likes of Jermaine Blackwood and Jason Holder remained unbeaten to secure a much-needed victory for West Indies in the 50-over format. 

Brief Scores: 

New Zealand:  190/10 (45.2)

Kane Williamson 34 (50), Micheal Bracewell 31 (33);
Akeal Hosein 3/28

West Indies: 193/5 (39)

Shamarh Brooks 79 (91), Nicholas Pooran 28 (47);
Tim Southee 2/39

Result: West Indies won by 5 wkts

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