New Zealand wrap it up quickly

An exciting test was brought to an abrupt end early on the fifth day as New Zealand made quick work of the last 2 wickets they needed to record a 27-run win over the West Indies. In a match which changed complexion with amazing regularity, New Zealand fought back impressively from a seemingly losing position and in the end made it look comfortable despite the small margin.

The first of the pair of wickets to fall on the fifth day was Ian Bradshaw, who on ten was out to a bat-pad catch off the bowling of Daniel Vettori, for whom this was a well-deserved third wicket. The second and final wicket was that of Jerome Taylor, comprehensively bowled by Shane Bond for 13 as the match drew to a close. With that wicket Bond had a five-wicket bag, finishing with figures of 5-69 from just under 28 overs. He bowled brilliantly throughout the fourth and fifth days, and his bowling was probably the winning of the match.

It was a match in which the momentum swung back and forth between the sides almost as regularly as a clock’s pendulum, but in the end New Zealand managed to just take enough wickets on the fourth day to put the task just slightly beyond the reach of the visitors. Although it must be said neither team was quite at their best in this test match, it was a thoroughly exciting contest. West Indies looked to have it in the bag half way through yesterday, but a mixture of not the best batting and excellent bowling, particularly from Bond, first brought New Zealand back into contention and then put them on top.

New Zealand 275
Scott Styris 103 no, Nathan Astle 51
Dwayne Smith 3-71, Ian Bradshaw 3-73

West Indies 257
Ramnaresh Sarwan 62, Dwayne Bravo 59
Chris Martin 3-80, Daniel Vettori 2-7

New Zealand 272
Brendon McCullum 74, Jamie How 37
Chris Gayle 4-71, Ian Bradshaw 3-83

West Indies 263
Daren Ganga 95, Chris Gayle 82
Shane Bond 5-69, Daniel Vettori 3-92

New Zealand won by 27 runs.

Cricket Web Player of the Match

Shane Bond – 2-57 and 5-69