ZCZC
BSP-02
CRICKET-NZL-WIS
Nicholls, Astle set West Indies 326-run target
CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand, Dec 23, 2017 (BSS/AFP) – Henry Nicholls and
Todd Astle led New Zealand to a comprehensive 325 for six batting first
against the West Indies in the second one-day international in Christchurch
on Saturday.
The pair put on 130 for the sixth wicket with Nicholls unbeaten on 83
while Astle, in only his second ODI, was out in the final over for 49.
George Worker and Ross Taylor also chimed in with half-centuries to propel
New Zealand into solid position in a match the West Indies need to win to
keep the series alive.
New Zealand won the first of three ODIs by five wickets on Wednesday.
Worker and Colin Munro gave New Zealand a flying start, reaching 50 in the
seventh over before Sheldon Cottrell struck.
He removed Munro (30) and Neil Broom (six) in quick succession before
Worker and Ross Taylor steadied the innings with a 58-run partnership at
better than a run-a-ball pace.
Worker, who was dropped on seven by wicketkeeper Shai Hope, reached his
second consecutive half-century against the West Indies and a personal best
58 before he fell to Ronsford Beaton.
West Indies captain Jason Holder reduced New Zealand to 186 for five when
he removed Tom Latham and Taylor in the space of 11 balls, leaving Nicholls
and Astle to rebuild the innings.
After a slow start, the pair launched into their work in the last 10 overs
when New Zealand added 103 runs.
Nicholls’ 83 came off 62 balls and included two sixes and seven fours,
while Astle faced 45 deliveries for his 49 but only reached the boundary
three times.
For the West Indies, Sheldon Cottrell took three for 62.
BSS/AFP/MRI/0843 hrs