World Twenty20: West Indies beat New Zealand in super over, keep hopes alive

West Indies knocked New Zealand out of the World Twenty20 in a dramatic Super Over after their group one match had ended in a tie in regular time. (AFP and AP Photos)

West Indies did not start well in their innings with in-form Johnson Charles departing early, caught and bowled by Doug Bracewell. Promoted in the order, Andre Russell too was dismissed cheaply after hitting a six, Bracewell getting him too.

'Gangnam' Chris Gayle was looking in sublime form yet again. He reached 30 just off 13 balls before a snorter by Tim Southee got him caught by Brendon McCullum. Gayle hit three 4s and two sixes.

For a brief period after Gayle's departure, Marlon Samuels and Darren Bravo (playing in place of an injured Dwayne Bravo), tried to steady the calypso ship but first Samuels and then Bravo's dismissal rocked the West Indian middle-order badly.

Nathan McCullum got both Samuels and Bravo out, exposing the West Indies' vulnerability against spin. His figures were 2/19 in four overs.

It could have been a blessing in disguise for West Indies as Kieron Pollard had almost 10 overs to make an impression. He did try to hit out but as always could not display his "league" form for the country. His 28 off 22 balls could just ensure a modest total and nothing else.

Tim Southee again bowled with extreme control and guile. He took 3/21, including wickets of Gayle and Sammy, to rattle the West Indian batting line-up.

West Indies, though, started brilliantly with the ball and a constantly improving Ravi Rampaul got Rob Nicol trapped in front.

Brendon McCullum and Martin Guptill found themselves in familiar territory, carrying the mantle at the top-order for New Zealand. While Brendon was his usual self (22 off 18 balls), Guptill (21 off 27 balls) could not really find his touch.

Both were dismissed in quick succession, McCullum bowled by Samuel Badree while Guptill caught Samuels bowled Darren Sammy.

Skipper Darren Sammy celebrates with Chris Gayle after getting Martin Guptill. The first four wickets in the New Zealand innings were taken by four different bowlers - Rampaul, Sammy, Samuel Badree and Sunil Narine.

It was the Kiwi skipper Ross Taylor, who shouldered the responsibility of taking New Zealand home and giving themselves a chance to advance. He not only top-scored for the Black Caps but became the leading scorer of the match too.

Sunil Narine had other ideas though and chose the day to display why he was the bowler of the tournament in the Indian Premier League. He took 3/20 in his four overs to give West Indies a sniff. His effort meant that the match went into a super over, the third time in T20 internationals that both the sides played one.

West Indies bowled first in the super over and New Zealand scored 17 runs thanks to Ross Taylor yet again who hit a boundary and a six to propel the Kiwis.

It was the Calypso power in the end as Tim Southee erred on the first ball of the super over with a no-ball and Chris Gayle promptly dispatched that for six. Marlon Samuels hit another six off the fifth delivery to seal the victory.