Scott Styris’ half-century backed up a fine BLACKCAPS fielding performance to secure a vital ICC World Cup Super Eight Series victory over hosts West Indies in Antigua.
Styris made an unbeaten 80, following captain Stephen Fleming’s 45 to complete a seven-wicket win with 11 overs to spare at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground.
Jacob Oram, Shane Bond and Daniel Vettori all took three wickets each, and Brendon McCullum collected four catches, to remove the Caribbean side for 177 within 45 overs.
Oram, whose canny medium pace was assisted by movement in the air, snared dangermen Ramnaresh Sarwan (19), Marlon Samuels (nine) and Chris Gayle (44).
Skipper Brian Lara (37) and opener Gayle led the way as they looked to revive their side after defeat to Australia over two days.
But after Oram, Bond and Styris cut through the top order, assisted by their wicketkeeper, Vettori cleaned up the tail, taking three for 39.
Peter Fulton was bowled by Daren Powell second ball, but patient innings by Fleming, Styris and Craig McMillan (33 not out) had restored stability.
Powell accounted for both Fulton and Hamish Marshall (15), caught by Lara at mid-off.
However, Fleming and Styris manoeuvred the score to 77, but the BLACKCAPS skipper's innings was ended by a run out inflicted by his West Indian counterpart.
Styris and McMillan then added 53 before the weather took a turn for the worse, the steady rain throughout the innings increasing to force a 10-minute break.
The duo returned with little momentum removed, and went on to make the required 48 runs within another seven overs for an important triumph.
The BLACKCAPS can make another step towards the semi-finals with a win in their next Super Eight stage match, against Bangladesh, at the same venue on Tuesday (NZ time).
