New Zealand v West Indies 2008-09

At Westpac Stadium, Wellington, January 7, 2009 (day/night). New Zealand won by seven wickets. Toss: New Zealand.

Woeful batting and undisciplined bowling turned West Indies' delight at their victory four days earlier into the despair of heavy defeat. Their total was only five more than their lowest against New Zealand, who levelled the series even before the need for the floodlights, with all of 177 balls remaining. Only the reliable Chanderpaul, fit again after missing the first two matches, managed a reasonable score after West Indies were put in. By the time Vettori introduced himself, four wickets were already down for 55; he claimed the next four for 20 from ten mesmeric overs before the last two wickets shared the best two stands of the innings. New Zealand faltered to 40 for three against the lively Powell, and the outcome would have been closer, if hardly different, but for two setbacks for West Indies in successive overs. First umpire Benson did not detect Taylor's gloved leg-side deflection to the diving Ramdin off Powell, then Pollard dropped Flynn at cover. New Zealand would have been 53 for five and the contest alive. Instead, West Indies reacted to their misfortune with a rash of wides, byes and wayward bowling, as Taylor and Flynn coasted to victory in a partnership of 89 from 13 overs. Pollard, who smashed a pane of glass in the dressing-room after being given out lbw by Benson, received a reprimand from the referee, but escaped a fine.

Man of the Match: D. L. Vettori.