West Indies expose New Zealand's batting

The West Indies beat New Zealand by 56 runs at the NCC ground in Colombo. Replying to the Caribbean side's 218 for 6, the Kiwis collapsed to 162 all out in the 44th over. Nondescripts has proved to be a happy hunting ground for the West Indians, this victory win keeping their hopes of a semi final place very much alive.

The West Indies won the toss and elected to bat on a dry pitch. Lopez, employed in the pinch hitting role got the innings off to a positive start. His cameo of 22 set the pace. New Zealand did not appear fazed and responded with early wickets. Zaheer Ali fell LBW to his first delivery, then the studless Deonarine run out flat on his back for 9. Brenton Parchment was the anchor of the West Indian innings, driving and cutting with his usual flourish, finishing with 54 important runs. At 167 for 8, the game was there to be taken by New Zealand but they chose not to bring back their strike bowlers before it was too late. Camillus Alexander and Andrew Richardson were allowed easy runs and went on to share an unbeaten stand of 51 for the ninth wicket in 11 overs helping the West Indian total onto a respectable 218 for 8 from their allocated 50 overs.

New Zealand produced a lacklustre reply against a well balanced pace and spin bowling attack. Hungry for success, Fast bowler Andrew Richardson made early inroads. Into his rhythm and with legs pumping he got Leighton Morgan to knick the 2nd ball of the innings to Francois behind the stumps. A well timed catch by Lopez removed Horsley and Richardson promptly dealt with How just as he had Morgan previously.

At 44 for 3 in the twelfth over, New Zealand were on the back foot and never recovered. Spinners Samuels, Hinds and Alexander made good use of a turning wicket and strangled the Kiwi middle and lower order. When Shaw was finally run out in the 44th over, New Zealand were 56 runs in arrears of the West Indian target. The West Indies triumph, it must be said came with an inept display of batting characterized by too many unforced errors.

Speaking to CricInfo Dayle Hadlee, coach of the New Zealand side expressed his disappointment with the manner in which his team were outplayed. "It was straight out under achievement - a lack of concentration, a lack of partnerships. No one took responsibility. The players must look at themselves in the mirror tonight and say that they under performed. We got what we deserved."

This a big win for the West Indies and one which showed great reserves of discipline and self belief after a tough loss against Australia. They play Pakistan on Saturday in a do-or-die game of cricket which will decide their fate in the tournament. Looking forward to the match coach Gus Logie said "the players need to know the significance of this game. If they win they are through, if they lose they are out. We must get them into the right frame of mind. I have no doubt they will come out fighting and really give it their all."