(Reuters) – West Indies claimed a 2-0 Twenty20 series win over an injury-hit New Zealand side after a comprehensive 61-run win today in Lauderhill, Florida.
After taking Saturday’s first match by 56 runs the West Indies once again proved too good with captain Chris Gayle firing another half-century and a superb bowling spell from off-spinner Sunil Narine proving the difference.
The West Indies out-muscled and out-thought their opponents over both games, allowing them to head home for a one-day series full of confidence.
Narine claimed four for 12 in his four overs, giving New Zealand little chance of reeling in the West Indies’ 177 for five.
New Zealand lost captain Ross Taylor, all-rounder Jacob Oram and left-arm spinner Ronnie Hira to injury before the match and, with Narine tightening the screws, they could muster only a dismal 116 all out in reply.
West Indies won the toss and decided to bat with Gayle backing up his 85 from Saturday with 53 from 39 balls, combining with first drop Johnson Charles (36 from 32) for a 72-run partnership to build a solid foundation.
Narine claimed both openers in successive balls at the end of his opening over when Martin Guptill was caught for 18 and Rob Nicol was stumped for seven.
The first of five ODI’s between the two teams is set for Thursday in Kingston, Jamaica.
