World Cup 2019 warm-up: Windies fire warning with crushing win over New Zealand

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  • Windies put Kiwis to the sword in final warm-up game.

    West Indies completed their World Cup preparations by posting an impressive 91-run victory over New Zealand in Bristol.

    Shai Hope was the batting star, hitting 101 off 86 balls in West Indies’ imposing total of 421.

    Hope was backed up by half-centuries from Evin Lewis (50) and Andre Russell (54), while Trent Boult was the pick of New Zealand’s bowlers, taking four for 50.

    Needing more than eight runs an over, New Zealand made a poor start as they slumped to 33 for three.

    But captain Kane Williamson and Tom Blundell kick-started their team’s reply and put them in contention.

    Williamson was eventually run out for 85, and Blundell made 106 off 89 balls, including five sixes, with New Zealand being dismissed for 330.

    Windies skipper Jason Holder believes the win will give the side plenty of confidence ahead of their World Cup campaign opener against Pakistan on Friday.

    “It was a good win. We’re building towards something special in the World Cup so to get this momentum going into the first game against Pakistan is key,” Holder stated after the game.

    Hope led Windies' charge with a superb ton.

    Hope led Windies’ charge with a superb ton.

    “Shai (Hope) played really well, Evin (Lewis) played really well, Chris (Gayle)was outstanding at the start and gave us the impetus we needed at the beginning of the innings and then Russ (Andre Russell) came in and did his thing at the very end with Carlos (Brathwaite) and everyone else chipping in.

    “I was pleased with the bowlers to be honest. I thought we stuck to our task.”

    His New Zealand counterpart Kane Williamson reserved special praise for Blundell who was a surprise selection for the World Cup.

    “It was a fantastic knock coming in under a little bit of pressure in terms of 400 on the board and we were in a little bit of trouble,” said Williamson.

    “He’s actually done it on a number of occasions for his domestic side. He obviously started well in Test cricket but to come in and play that role where he sucked up a bit of pressure and counter-punched was a really good sign for us,” the Kiwi skipper added.

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