Related Link : ICC T20 World Cup 2007
It is a sheer pity that Daren Powell’s incredible figures of 4-0-4-3 in a Twenty20 Match against New Zealand doesn’t get recognized in the record books! Windies thanks to this spell from Powell went onto comprehensively defeat New Zealand by 35 runs at Benoni. The Black Caps were bowled out for 115 in 18.4 overs with only Peter Fulton (51 from 43 with 5 fours and 2 sixes) standing tall amongst the ruins. Skipper Daniel Vettori (24 from 16) was the only other to get into double figures. Along with Powell, Fidel Edwards also bowled outstandingly with 1 for 7 in 2 overs with the wicket coming in the first ball of the NZ innings. Darren Sammy chipped in with 3 wickets as well while Bravo got 2.
There was no toss made and it was decided that West Indies would bat first. Windies had an early scare with Chris Gayle getting a knock on the side of his right knee facing a Chris Martin delivery. Gayle retired as a precautionary measure to save himself for the main tournament. Gayle was hit on the same knee during a net session last week. Windies didn’t get any sort of rhythm losing four wickets for just 56 in the 10th over. They were eventually helped to 150 for 6 through a 55-run partnership between Dwayne Smith (47 from 46 with 2 fours and 2 sixes) and Narsingh Deonarine (34 from 26). Wicket Keeper Denesh Ramdin did the finishing act with 26 from 9 balls with 4 fours and a six. Daniel Vettori underutilized himself bowling just 2 overs in which he gave just 9. The best bowler was Chris Martin with 2 for 22 in 4 overs including a maiden.