After pulling off an incredible chase in the first game, New Zealand would look to clinch the series against West Indies in the second match.
Windies did not disappoint with the bat as Andre Fletcher delivered a strong start. A spectacular middle-order collapse followed as they lost five wickets for just 1 run in two overs. Kieron Pollard steadied the ship with a pulsating unbeaten 75 and Fabian Allen hit 30 runs.
Lockie Ferguson was the pick of the bowlers with a five-wicket haul and he grabbed the man of the match award too.
Team News
Though their mainstays, Martin Guptill and Ross Taylor failed with the bat, New Zealand showed proof of their deep line-up as Jimmy Neesham and Mitchell Santner took them home safely. The hosts can opt in for the wily spinner, Ish Sodhi instead of the out of form Hamish Bennett.
Though Oshane Thomas bowled well and got two wickets, Kesrick Williams and Keemo Paul were taken to the cleaners as they conceded 72 runs in their five overs. Windies can take in bowling all-rounder Kyle Mayers and leave out Williams.
Pitch and Conditions
Mount Maunganui is one of the beautiful cricket stadiums in the world. It is batsman-friendly and will offer some assistance to the pacers at the start. Rain is forecast for the day and the fans can expect some interruptions in the middle of the innings. Hitting sixes will be quite tough as the Bay Oval ground is not small, unlike Eden Park.
Probable Playing XI
New Zealand: Tim Seifert (WK), Martin Guptill, Devon Conway, Glenn Philips, Ross Taylor, Jimmy Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee (C), Kyle Jamieson, Lockie Ferguson, Ish Sodhi.
West Indies: Andre Fletcher, Brandon King, Shimron Hetmyer, Nicholas Pooran (WK), Kyle Mayers, Kieron Pollard (C), Keemo Paul, Sheldon Cottrell, Hayden Walsh, Oshane Thomas, Kesrick Williams.
Key Battles
Kieron Pollard vs Lockie Ferguson
Pollard led from the front with his brilliant knock. With eight hits above the fence, he showcased his destruction with aggressive shotmaking. He looked at ease with the spinners showing no signs of any vulnerability.
Ferguson was the man behind the mid-innings collapse of West Indies as he grabbed the crucial wickets of two big-hitters, Shimron Hetmyer and Nicholas Pooran. His tall frame and express pace facilitated him to generate a lot of bounce. His attacking lines made the difference as he conceded just 21 runs in his entire spell.
Devon Conway vs Oshane Thomas
Conway made a good knock of 41 in his T20 debut. He showed great maturity and was striking the ball with precision. Just when he was looking to take his team past the finishing line, he got out when he was looking to get to his maiden half-century.
Thomas conceded only 23 runs in his three overs. The tearaway quickie used his bouncer and yorker to good effect and generated a lot of swing in the beginning. His raw pace troubled Tim Seifert and Glenn Philips as he ended up dismissing both.
Prediction
While New Zealand ended their seven-match winning streak with a victory in the last match, it is a must-win match for West Indies to stay alive in the series. The visitors can pull off a win if they bolster their bowling line-up a bit.
Cricwizz predicts West Indies to win the match.
