West Indies were dealt with a big blow in the game against Bangladesh. Even though they posted a challenging 321 for 8, they were completely badgered as Bangladesh got home with 8.3 overs to spare. It was a performance that would have really hurt Windies' pride. They will have to raise their game significantly against New Zealand.
West Indies have suffered because their senior players have failed to stand up and deliver. Chris Gayle was expected to make an impression on his final World Cup. However, after an impressive start his form has gone awry. The biggest disappointment of all has been Andre Russell, who has failed to convert his IPL form on the stage that matters most. It has been up to Shai Hope and, to some extent, Shimron Hetmyer to steady the ship.
Their bowling took a severe beating against Bangladesh. Oshane Thomas began the World Cup well but it has all gone downhill for him and the others since. The likes of Shannon Gabriel and Russell were completely taken to the cleaners. Can they recover from such a massive beating?
New Zealand have been going from strength to strength under Kane Williamson's astute leadership. Yet again, they delivered a heartbreak for South Africa as this time Williamson hit a six in the last over to seal the deal in his team's favour. Under pressure, the skipper played a mature hand, that would be rated very high in terms of quality.
New Zealand have been blessed to have three utility all-rounders in their squad. The uncluttered mind of Colin de Grandhomme was responsible for them recovering from a precarious position against the Proteas. Mitchell Santner and Jimmy Neesham too have made important all-round contributions. The game will see Martin Guptill face the Windies again. It was against this team that the opener blasted a record 237 in the 2015 World Cup quarter-finals.
Squads
West Indies: Jason Holder (c), Fabian Allen, Darren Bravo, Shannon Gabriel, Shimron Hetmyer, Evin Lewis, Nicholas Pooran, Andre Russell, Carlos Brathwaite, Sheldon Cottrell, Chris Gayle, Shai Hope, Ashley Nurse, Kemar Roach, Oshane Thomas
New Zealand: Kane Williamson (c), Ross Taylor, Tom Latham (wk), Tom Blundell (wk), Mitchell Santner, Colin de Grandhomme, Lockie Ferguson, Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Colin Munro, Ish Sodhi, Henry Nicholls, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Jimmy Neesham
-- By A Cricket Correspondent
