Win has shifted momentum, says New Zealand skipper

WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND – MARCH 27: Kane Williamson (L) and Doug Bracewell of New Zealand leave the field at the conclusion of day five of the Third Test match between New Zealand and South Africa at Basin Reserve on March 27, 2012 in Wellington, New Zealand.

Basseterre (St Kitts), July 13 – Stand-in New Zealand captain Kane Williamson says their 88-run victory over the West Indies in the third One-Day International could now see the momentum shift away from the hosts in the five-match series.

The visitors produced a consistent all-round display at Warner Park Wednesday to halt their slide, which saw them lose both Sabina Park matches, following on from their battering in the Twenty20 double-header in Florida, US, two weeks ago, reports Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC).

“I think the batting is an area we need to look at in terms of turning those 50s, which are really starts, into big scores in order to make the difference in an innings and that’s an aspect we are looking to improve,” said Williamson, who has taken over from the injured Ross Taylor.

“It’s a great shift in momentum, hopefully, and we put a few things into practice in terms of lessons from the other games. It was nice to get a win away in such a pressure game.”

Facing a do-or-die situation, the Black Caps gave an improved performance, tallying 249 for nine after being sent in.

While the total was hardly imposing, they then turned in a brilliant bowling and fielding performance to bundle out the West Indies for a paltry 161 in 34.3 overs.

They brought about three run outs and also claimed big-hitting opener Chris Gayle cheaply for the first time in the series.

Williamson pointed out that Gayle’s wicket – which the Kiwis have identified as key to winning the series – had been the fillip his side needed as they defended the moderate total on a good batting strip.

Gayle was troubled by left-arm pacer Trent Boult, in for his first match of the series, before finally edging pacer Tim Southee to slip for 11.

“[Gayle has] put us away in every game this series so far, so to get him out really boosted the lads in the field and that’s where probably things started,” Williamson said.

“Trent bowled really well. He executed his plans well. We were discussing them at the top of his run-up and he was quite threatening with that new ball.”

The West Indies face New Zealand in the fourth ODI at Warner Park on Saturday.

–IANS/CMC

vs/vt