WHANGAREI, New Zealand, CMC – Bold half-centuries from opener Evin Lewis and lower order batsman Rovman Powell, propped up West Indies and lifted them to 248 for nine in the opening One-Day International against the Black Caps last night.
Sent in at Cobham Oval, the Windies were led by the left-handed Lewis who top-scored with 76 off 100 deliveries and Powell, who struck 59 off 50 balls.
Lewis and Chris Gayle (22) added 40 for the first wicket before Gayle and Shai Hope (0) fell in successive deliveries at the start of the 10th over from seamer Doug Bracewell, to leave West Indies on 40 for
two.
Lewis, who counted seven fours and a six in his knock, put on 62 with debutant left-hander Shimron Hetmyer (29) before another collapse ensued, with the Caribbean side losing three wickets for 31 runs to slip to 134 for five in the 31st over.
Powell then arrived to smashed two fours and four sixes, adding a further 43 for the sixth wicket with Lewis who finally departed in the 36th over to a harsh lbw decision to leg-spinner Todd Astle.
Three more wickets tumbled for 24 runs to leave the Windies tottering on 201 for eight but the right-handed Powell ensured a rollicking end to the innings as he put on 45 for the ninth with Kesrick Williams (16 not out).
Bracewell was the best bowler with four for 55 while Astle claimed three for 33 and speedster Lockie Ferguson, two for 49.
