Images courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo

Edwards and Bravo both smashed breathtaking centuries

West Indies batsman Kirk Edwards and captain Dwayne Bravo both scored centuries as the men from the Caribbean destroyed New Zealand by 203 runs in the fifth and final ODI in Hamilton to end the series as a 2-2 draw.

Edwards and Bravo were well supported by left-arm spinner Nikita Miller, who ripped through New Zealand’s batting line-up with four wickets, and opening batsman Kieran Powell, who scored a spectacular half-century.

New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum won the toss and chose to bowl first.

However, his decision to do so backfired as Powell and Johnson Charles amassed a brilliant 95-run partnership, during which Powell brought up his half-century, before being given out lbw off the bowling of Nathan McCullum.

Powell’s fantastic knock of 73 came off just 44 balls and included 12 boundaries and two sixes.

Charles managed to make 31 runs before being run out by Nathan McCullum.

Lendl Simmons only scored nine runs before being caught by Kane Williamson at point off the bowling of Corey Anderson.

From that point on it was all West Indies as Bravo and Edwards put together an outstanding 211-run partnership, during which both batsmen brought up their centuries, before Bravo was caught by Nathan McCullum at third man off the bowling of Williamson.

Bravo’s fabulous innings of 106 came of 81 balls and included 12 boundaries and three sixes.

Edwards remained unbeaten on a career-best 123, which came off 108 deliveries and included 12 boundaries and four sixes, as the West Indies posted a magnificent total of 363 off their 50 overs.

Nathan McCullum, Williamson and Anderson all picked up one wicket apiece.

Chasing 364 to win, New Zealand got off to a horrible start as their top four batsmen were all back in the pavilion with only 50 runs on the board.

Captain McCullum failed with the bat as well as he was only able to score six runs before being caught by Charles at mid-off off the bowling of Miller.

Anderson made a quickfire 29 off 24 balls, which included four boundaries, before New Zealand’s lower order completely collapsed.

New Zealand were eventually put out of their misery when they were bowled out for a dismal 160, giving the West Indies a convincing 203-run victory.

Miller was the pick of the West Indian bowlers with four wickets, while Jason Holder and Andre Russell snapped up two wickets apiece and Bravo chipped in with one.

McCullum was disappointed his side could not finish off the series on a high note, and said: “The West Indies boys came out today and put on a splendid performance. Sad for the fans we were unable to put on a competitive performance for today. Maybe we should have batted first? We are comfortable to bowl first, but chasing 360 is a mammoth total, and the extra 60 runs was a bridge too far.

“We are going alright as a one-day unit, today was a step backwards. We have a huge series coming up against India. We have put some good performance so far in the series. We are getting there as a one-day unit, and we are seeing an emergence of new talent. Anderson in Queenstown was sublime, and then the bowlers have chipped in as well.

“Looking forward to the T20 series, and hopefully we can turn up and put on a performance we know we are capable of doing.”

Bravo, who was named Man of the Match, was ecstatic to have ended the series as a tie, and said: “Congratulations to my team, the NZ guys for a fantastic series. We needed a big win and thanks to everyone who played a big part and played hard to represent their country.

“Charles and Powell were going through a tough time, but it was important me and the coach backed them. They have done great things for us in the past, and the way Powell started put pressure on NZ straight away.

Then Edwards came in at No. 3, under pressure, and took the opportunity by getting a maiden century. I can’t single out anyone, but it was a great team effort. We always want competition. The coach says that we should make more options available. This will put us in a great position, and getting world-class players like Chris Gayle for the T20s will make a big difference.

“It was a decision by the management team (to open the bowling). Unfortunately Rampaul missed out in order to strengthen the batting, so we wanted to make sure we had a strong batting unit.

“Russell just came up and said I should take the new ball. It is important for Russell to be back in the one-day team.”