WI vs NZ, 3rd T20I: Bowlers' collective effort secure a consolation win for West Indies

NZ clinched the series by 2-1

Riding on a clinical performance from the bowlers and a solid opening stand, hosts West Indies handed a crushing eight-wicket defeat to New Zealand in the final T20I of the three-match series in Jamaica last night. 

Odean Smith's three-fer restricts the Kiwis to a sub-par total

After opting to bat first, New Zealand didn't get the most desirable start, losing their top three inside nine overs with 57 runs on the board. In-form Glenn Phillips and skipper Kane Williamson steadied the ship for the visitors, adding vital 47 runs for the fourth wicket. 

However, after Williamson fell prey to Dominic Drakes, the Kiwis lost the plot and started losing wickets regularly. 

Smith picked 7 wickets in the series

Odean Smith, continuing his marvellous bowling form, dismissed the deadly trio of Phillips, Daryl Mitchell and James Neesham cheaply and played a crucial hand in squeezing the run flow. Smith's stupendous effort restricted the Blackcaps to a moderate 145 at the end of 20 overs. 

Opening Pair's incredible hitting see the hosts home

Brandon King's return to the team worked wonders for the Men in Maroon as the dynamic opener slammed a fabulous 35-ball 53, including four boundaries and three maximums.

King amazed the spectators with his hitting

Shamarh Brooks continued his glorious touch, playing a patient 56-run knock and remaining unbeaten till the end. Stand-in captain Rovman Powell seemed in a hurry to finish things as he smashed his way through to a blistering 15-ball 27*, with the help of two fours and as many sixes. 

Despite scalping one wicket apiece, Tim Southee and Ish Sodhi were expensive, conceding nine runs per over. 

Brief Scores

New Zealand: 145/7 (20)
Glenn Phillips 41(26), Kane Williamson 24 (27);
Odean Smith 3/29 (4), Akeal Hosein 2/28 (4)

West Indies: 150/2 (19)
Shamarh Brooks 56 (59), Brandon King 53 (35); 
Ish Sodhi 1/36 (4), Tim Southee 1/37 (4)

West Indies won by eight wickets. 

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