World Cup 2019: Hope Ton Helps Windies Amass 421 Against New Zealand

BRISTOL:  New Zealand will be chasing a target of 421 set by West Indies with all-out in 49.2 overs in the final warm-up match before ICC World Cup 2019.After a well-rounded performance against the second ranked India at The Oval, New Zealand look to maintain consistency when they take on West Indies in their last warm-up game today at County Ground, Bristol.New Zealand have well and truly announced themselves as a side to be respected at the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2019, after their convincing victory against India on Saturday. Their new-ball pair of Tim Southee and Trent Boult exploited the conditions to great effect to get rid of the strong Indian top-order, before the all-rounders, Colin de Grandhomme and James Neesham took over. Trent Boult's rhythm and accuracy must've surely given ominous signs to all the top-order batsmen in the competition.Ross Taylor continued his consistent run in 2019 with a steady 71, whereas Kane Williamson reminded everyone of his batting prowess with a well compiled 67. With most senior players in fine form, the Blackcaps appear as a settled unit going into the World Cup. They'll, however, hope that their wicket-keeper batsman, Tom Latham recovers quickly from his finger injury.West Indies will be desperate to get some match practice, after their first warm-up game was cut short due to rain on Sunday. The essence of this match increases further given the fact that their senior players Chris Gayle, Andre Russell weren't a part of the recently concluded tri-series in Ireland. Chris Gayle's form during the home series against England and Shai Hope's consistency in recent times will act as a huge morale booster for the two-time World champions.The bowling unit has consistently failed to take wickets in recent times. The new ball pair of captain Jason Holder and Sheldon Cottrell have not been able to create any opportunities, conceding runs at over run-a-ball in their nine-over combined spell against South Africa. To add to the woes, Shannon Gabriel, who left the field after bowling the first two balls of the ninth over, didn't take the field post the first rain interruption. He seems to have suffered a strain of some sort. The team management and the fans will hope that the Trinidad pacer recovers quickly before their first game against Pakistan in the tournament proper.Weather forecastChances of a complete 100-over game seem bleak with high probability of rain in the afternoon.Squads:New Zealand: Kane Williamson (C), Martin Guptill, Henry Nicholls, Ross Taylor, Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Colin de Grandhomme, Colin Munro, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Tom Blundell, Tom Latham.West Indies: Chris Gayle, Evin Lewis, Darren Bravo, Shimron Hetmyer, Fabian Allen, Andre Russell, Carlos Brathwaite, Jason Holder (C), Nicholas Pooran, Shai Hope, Ashley Nurse, Kemar Roach, Oshane Thomas, Shannon Gabriel, Sheldon Cottrell.

from The News International - Sports http://bit.ly/2HGmEe3