Fletcher half-ton sees Windies square series

Cricket365
July 7, 2014

Batsman Andre Fletcher struck a second half-century in as many days, as the West Indies welcomed a 39-run victory over New Zealand in Sunday's final Twenty20 International at Windsor Park in Dominica.

The result left the series level after a win apiece, after the Windies enjoyed a prompt turnaround in the wake of Saturday's rain-affected 12-run defeat at the same venue.

The hard-hitting Fletcher waxed lyrical about continuing a rich run of form during the weekend's opening press conference – and duly walked the talk en route to a quickfire 62 in a final total of 165 for six.

Snaring a second consecutive Man of the Match award and the Player of the Series accolade, the talented right-hander struck three fours and three sixes during the entertaining 49-delivery vigil.

An unchanged New Zealand attack were largely challenged by the half-centurion's crusade. All-rounder Corey Anderson proved particularly expensive, conceding all of 51 runs in four overs.

The Black Caps, led by the incumbent Kane Williamson rather than regular captain Brendon McCullum, later slipped to a severely insufficient 126 all out in one delivery more than 129 overs.

The resilience and progression display 24 hours earlier was few and far between, with fast bowler Sheldon Cottrell duly cashing in. Picked ahead of left-armer Krismar Santokie, Cottrell repaid the faith by snaring telling figures of three for 28. Spinner Sunil Narine, meanwhile, contributed a key brace.

Williamson was evidently inspired by the promotion, top-scoring with a standalone 37. McCullum, however, was not inspired by the relinquished captaincy, perishing for just 21. The Black Caps' lower order, too, under-delivered – numbers seven through 11 gathered less than a dozen runs.

The West Indies' next international assignment will be August's three-format series against Bangladesh, while the Kiwis will prepare for October's three ODIs against South Africa.