27 December,2017 08:04 AM IST | Christchurch | AFP
The West Indies were again left searching for ways to handle New Zealand's bowlers after crumbling to a 66-run defeat in the third one-day international in Christchurch
The West Indies were again left searching for ways to handle New Zealand's bowlers after crumbling to a 66-run defeat in the third one-day international in Christchurch yesterday. The comprehensive win in a rain-abbreviated match extended New Zealand's unbeaten run over the tourists, giving them a 3-0 sweep of the ODIs after winning both Tests inside four days earlier this month.
WI's Chris Gayle is targetted by a NZ bowler during the ODI in Christchurch yesterday. PIC/AFP
With the defeats mounting, West Indies skipper Jason Holder has repeatedly blamed a batting unit that has failed to adapt to New Zealand conditions. In the third ODI, the West Indies were set a revised target of 166 in 23 overs after a lengthy rain break restricted New Zealand to 131 for four in 23 overs. But the tourists collapsed in the first four overs as New Zealand's pace pair Trent Boult and Matt Henry took five wickets for nine runs. "It's unfortunate with the batting, we lost wickets up front again and were not able to build momentum," Holder said.
Jason Holder
His batting talisman Chris Gayle started the slide when he was out for four in the first over. "It's not an easy place to start with the ball swinging, but we've got to give ourselves a bit more of a chance to get started," the West Indies captain added.
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