The West Indies reiterated expectation that the 2019 World Cup will produce plenty of high scores by posting 421 all out in Tuesday’s 91-run warm-up fixture win over New Zealand in Bristol.
The only 400-plus score of the this and last week’s round of warm-up fixtures was propelled by batsman Shai Hope’s 101 from 86 deliveries, which featured nine fours and a quartet of sixes.
He was well supported by half-tons from all-rounder Andre Russell and opener Evin Lewis. Russell reminded all and sundry of the characteristic big-hitting bravado witnessed for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League earlier this year.
Left-arm seamer Trent Boult relished a four-wicket haul, while fast bowler Lockie Ferguson exemplified the remainder of the New Zealand attack’s expense en route to figures of zero for 86 in 10 overs.
The Black Caps’ response with the bat amounted to an insufficient 330 all out, but was highlighted by captain Kane Williamson’s 85 and wicketkeeper-batsman Tom Blundell’s ton. Blundell again pushed for a berth in the first-choice XI, as preferred wicketkeeper-batsman Tom Latham recovers from injury.
The West Indies’ World Cup campaign will open against Pakistan at Trent Bridge in Nottingham on Friday, while New Zealand will face Sri Lanka at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff on Saturday.
Photo: Gallo Images
