By BV Swagath
New Zealand finally tasted victory in the Caribbean after being defeated in 2 T20Is and 2 ODIs in a row by crushing margins. The visitors bounced back in style in the Third ODI at St Kitts by defeating West Indies by 88 runs to keep the 5-match series alive.
Asked to bat first after losing the toss, the Black Caps posted a competitive total of 249 for 9. Opener Rob Nicol top scored with 59 (from 64 balls with 4 fours and 3 sixes. Off Spinner Nathan McCullum with 50 (from 70 balls with 4 fours and a six) and Wicket Keeper BJ Watling with 40 (from 47 balls 47 balls with 4 fours and a six) played crucial knocks.
For the West Indies, Andre Russell picked up 4 for 57 while Sunil Narine strangled the scoring rate with his 10-0-28-2. West Indies in their run chase folded to 161 all out in 34.3 overs following a disastrous show from all the specialist batsmen. Andre Russell was the top scorer of the West Indies innings coming up with a cameo of 42* from 24 balls with 3 fours and 4 sixes.
The West Indian innings contained three run outs while debutant Trent Boult, Jacob Oram and Nathan McCullum picked up two wickets each. The Man of the Match award went to opening batsman Rob Nicol.