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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
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