That's it. The torture is over for New Zealand. After taking a pounding from the West Indies, New Zealand did well to recover from 33/3 to 330/10. Batting first, West Indies put up a huge total of 421/10 on the board. Had this not been a practice match, this would have been the seventh highest total by a team in a ODI match. Shai Hope (106) scored a century for West Indies. Opener Evin Lewis scored 50 too. But Andre Russell's 23 ball 50 towards the end propelled West Indies to 421/10 in 49.2 overs.
Chasing 422 to win, New Zealand got off to the worst start possible as they lost 3 wickets just for 33. But Kane Williamson and Tom Blundell shared a century run stand to make things a bit exciting. However, despite Blundell's century and Sodhi's attack at the end, the total was too huge for New Zealand to chase down. Brathwaite picked up 3 wickets and Ish Sodhi was the last man to fall as New Zealand suffered a 91 run defeat at the hands of West Indies in the warm-up match of ICC Cricket World Cup 2019.
OUT! Blundell dismissed by Brathwaite. The batsman goes for a scoop but ends up giving an easy catch to the keeper. The result of this match is a mere formality now. Tom Blundell c Hope b Brathwaite 106 (89 Balls).
New Zealand brings up its 200. From 33/3 to 203/4, it's been a good recovery for New Zealand. They are chasing a record 422 to win. New Zealand's recovery was mainly due to Kane Williamson (85) and Blundell's partnership.
OUT! Kane Williamson was playing so well but what a foolish step to go for that run. Williamson was looking in fine touch and only he could have got himself out today, which he did. KS Williamson run out (Allen/Hope) 85 (64 Balls).
Kane Williamson and Tom Blundell bring up 100 run partnership. However, the possibility of chasing down the mammoth total of 422 looks almost impossible. But Cricket is a funny game, and anything can happen. So New Zealand will still have hope.
Kane "Able" Williamson is setting the stage slowly but surely. New Zealand suffered two quick blows and even Ross Taylor was removed soon as New Zealand were left struggling. But Williamson is building an important partnership with Tom Blundell here. Williamson completes his fifty.
New Zealand nowhere near the required run-rate. Early loss of wickets mar the Kiwis chase. Kane Williamson and Bundell batting and battling it out in the middle for New Zealand. Cottrell, Holder, Roach and Thomas have all seemed impressive with the ball.
OUT! New Zealand are really making this difficult for themselves. Taylor dismissed by Thomas. New Zealand are 33/3 in 10 Overs. Ross Taylor c Bravo b Thomas 2 (15 Balls).
Kane Williamson has come to the middle after the fall of wicket of Guptill. Cottrell dismissed Guptill, making the chase even more difficult for New Zealand.
The West Indies side has shown why they are one of the most dangerous outfits in the world. The team is full of six hitters and they all joined the party today in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 warm-up match against New Zealand. Chris Gayle and Lewis got off to a flying start and Shai Hope scored a hundred. However, it was the partnership and hitting by Andre Russell and Jason Holder that helped West Indies go past 400. Andre Russell's innings lighted up Twitter as fans started about the West Indies 'hulk'. Andre Russell Hits 23-Ball Fifty vs New Zealand in ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 Warm-Up Match, Twitter Celebrates Windies All-Rounder’s Smashing Knock!
Among the New Zealand bowlers, Trent Boult proved to be the pick of the bowlers as other NZ pacers were taken to the cleaners. Boult finished with 4 wickets for 50 runs. However, Matt Henry proved extremely costly as he conceded 107 runs in 9 overs for 2 wickets. New Zealand needs 422 runs to win the match.
OUT! Carlos Brathwaite dismissed for 24. Henry gets yet another wicket. However, Brathwaite has done his job and added to the huge tally. Carlos Brathwaite c Williamson b Henry 24 (16 Balls).
West Indies have brought up their 400! The West Indies have sent a message to the other teams that they should not be discounted in the 50 overs format. West Indies are 406/8 with still 3 Overs to go.
OUT! Andre Russell has been dismissed by Trent Boult. He scored 54 off just 25 balls. Russell hit 3 sixes and 7 fours in his innings. Andre Russell b Boult 54 (25 Balls).
OUT! Jason Holder has been dismissed for 47 by Henry. Holder was going hamer and tongs. Tries to clear boundary again, ends up finding Taylor in the circle. Jason Holder c Taylor b Henry 47 (32 Balls)
New Zealand registered a comfortable victory against India, by beating the Men in Blue by 6 wickets on May in London. On the other hand, the West Indies vs South Africa match on Sunday at Bristol was washed away due to the rains.
The West Indies begin their World Cup campaign against Pakistan on May 31, Friday at the Trent Bridge, Nottingham. New Zealand will start their World Cup campaign on June 1, Saturday against Sri Lanka at the Sophia Gardens, Cardiff.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 28, 2019 02:15 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).