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20 overs West Indies 209 for 2 (Gayle 85*, Pollard 63*) v New Zealand
Chris Gayle began his innings watchfully but then accelerated to build a sound platform, which allowed Kieron Pollard to come in and explode from the get-go. Both batsmen raced to half-centuries during a 108-run partnership that was plundered at almost 16 runs an over, shredding the New Zealand attack in the first Twenty20 international in Lauderhill, Florida.
New Zealand were listless in the field and looked every bit a side that hadn't played international cricket since March. Their lines and lengths were unimaginative; they conceded 13 runs in wides and bowled three no-balls; and they missed a stumping and dropped a catch. Worryingly, they also lost Ronnie Hira to a damaged finger and Jacob Oram and Ross Taylor appeared to damage knee and elbow while fielding.
Chris Gayle began his innings watchfully but then accelerated to build a sound platform, which allowed Kieron Pollard to come in and explode from the get-go. Both batsmen raced to half-centuries during a 108-run partnership that was plundered at almost 16 runs an over, shredding the New Zealand attack in the first Twenty20 international in Lauderhill, Florida.
New Zealand were listless in the field and looked every bit a side that hadn't played international cricket since March. Their lines and lengths were unimaginative; they conceded 13 runs in wides and bowled three no-balls; and they missed a stumping and dropped a catch. Worryingly, they also lost Ronnie Hira to a damaged finger and Jacob Oram and Ross Taylor appeared to damage knee and elbow while fielding.