New Zealand beat Windies: Here are the key takeaways
What's the story
Two-time champions Windies came up with an enthralling performance, only to suffer a heartbreak as New Zealand stole a win in the match number 29 of the ICC World Cup 2019 at Old Trafford in Manchester on Saturday. Carlos Brathwaite scored a sensational century, but failed to steer his side home, falling short by just five runs. Here are the key takeaways.
Match report
How did the match pan out?
Winning the toss, Windies skipper Jason Holder invited the Kiwis to bat first. Riding on a splendid knock of 148 by skipper Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor's 69, New Zealand reached a total of 291/8. In reply, Chris Gayle (87) and Shimron Hetmyer (54) fought back. However, it was a century by Brathwaite that headlined the match, despite falling short to script a win.
Munro
Should Colin Munro be dropped?
While opening batsman Colin Munro did deliver a promising performance in the opening game, since then he hasn't done much. In the last four games, he has failed to get past 30. Further, he has failed to get past double digits in the last two innings, getting dismissed for a duck in this tie. Kane Williamson might look to shake things up.
Middle-order
Middle-order, the strength of New Zealand
On several instances, including this tie, it has been evident that New Zealand's batting strength lies in their middle-order. Their top-order often witnesses a collapse, and it is their middle-order that rescues them. And in most of the cases, Williamson and Ross Taylor score bulk of the runs. In knock-outs against a strong bowling attack, this can be a problem.
Death bowling
Brathwaite needs to improve his death bowling
While Brathwaite headlined the match with a tremendous knock, he was at the receiving end during the Kiwi innings, for leaking runs, especially at the death. While he managed to claim a couple of wickets, he gave away 58 runs, out of which, 38 came in his last three. Therefore, he has some work to do.
Lucky Kiwis
Kiwis lucky to get away despite dropping Gayle thrice
Gayle led the foundation of a what could have been a sensational run chase for the Windies. While Gayle did manage to play a commendable innings of 87, it wouldn't have been the same for him, had he not been dropped on three occasions. Even though Kiwis might have gotten away with the match, it was their fielding that did let them down.
Batting mindset
Windies need to improve their batting mindset
Keeping aside the Brathwaite magic, the overall Windies innings was riddled with issues. Also, it is their mindset that is to be blamed. At a point, it felt that they were trying to chase it in the T20 style. Coupled with poor shot selection, things became even difficult. Had the batsmen played more responsibly, things would have been different.
The finisher
Brathwaite: The master class finisher for Windies
Windies did lose the game marginally, but Brathwaite won a million hearts. The all-rounder showed great composure as he looked to steer the game away from the Kiwis at a point, just like he did in the 2016 World T20 final against England. Notably, Brathwaite is one of the genuine finishers for Windies in today's modern game.