BASSETERRE, St Kitts, CMC – West Indies captain Darren Sammy said yesterday there was no need to enter panic mode after his side collapsed to a disappointing 88-run defeat to New Zealand in the third One-Day International here at Warner Park.
Sammy reminded reporters the Windies had been outstanding in the series and said they were already focussing on the fourth match at the same venue in three days time.
“I think New Zealand played really well. It was an off day for us and we have basically put it behind us and we’re already looking forward to Saturday to just get back to our winning ways which we’ve had in the series,” Sammy said.
Since we’ve been playing some good cricket, we won’t let one game dampen the spirit of the boys. We have put it behind us and come Saturday … we will go out and play some good cricket.”
West Indies, seeking a series-clinching 3-0 lead, restricted the Black Caps to 249 for nine off their allotted 50 overs, after winning the toss and electing to field.
In their turn at the wicket, however, the Caribbean side lost wickets regularly and it was left to all-rounder Andre Russell, with a cameo, unbeaten 42 off 24 balls, to salvage some damaged pride.
He was the only batsman to pass 20, with three wickets falling via the run out route as New Zealand fielded brilliantly.
“We were not surprised [by New Zealand’s performance]. We’re playing against an international team and we expect them to come out and perform,” said Sammy.
