Cricket: Big improvements needed for West Indies after falling to the Black Caps

Tim Southee was solid during the Black Caps win over the West Indies at Cobham Oval. PHOTO/JOHN STONE

The West Indies will have plenty to ponder after a five-wicket loss to the Black Caps at Cobham Oval.

After some early rain Whangarei put on a stunner of a day, much to the delight of the strong crowd.

There was little to write home about for the visitors as they struggled to build partnerships amid a top bowling performance from Doug Bracewell (4 for 55) and Todd Astle (3 for 33).

Two major issues will worry captain Jason Holder: a poor showing from the middle order and a lack of potency with the ball.

Colin Munro and George Worker were allowed to set the tone during the chase as the new ball pairing of Shannon Gabriel and Ronsford Beaton failed to implement their bowling plan with any level of precision.

Meanwhile only Shimron Hetmyer (29) made double figures in the middle order as they collectively failed to fire.

If it hadn't been for some late hitting from Rovman Powell, things could have been dire.

The Black Caps started their 249-run chase strongly with Munro and Worker finding the fence with ease.

Munro was dismissed one short of his half century while Worker made 57 in an opening stand worth 108.

Kane Williamson chipped in with 38 before chopping on off the bowling of Holder while Ross Taylor anchored the middle of the innings with a patient 49.

Some middle order wobbles and handy bowling from Ashley Nurse (2 for 55) and Holder (2 for 52) delayed the inevitable but the Black Caps were in full control of the contest.

The Chris Gayle show wasn't up to billing as he struggled early against the bowling of Northlander Tim Southee and Trent Boult, scoring only 22 in the process.

His opening partner Evin Lewis however was a pillar of calmness in a rough innings for the West Indies' middle order.

Lewis' 76 was much-needed glue as the returning Doug Bracewell and debutant Todd Astle justified their selections with top notch bowling performances.

It isn't often that neither Boult nor Southee don't take a wicket and the Black Caps do well but such is the depth of the side, they weren't required to add to their tallies.

Both played their roles with Southee looking particularly solid ahead of missing the next two matches. He'll be relatively pleased with how tight he kept it with Gayle batting though he went for a few in the middle overs.

Lockie Ferguson dug in and bowled hard and fast, rewarded with two wickets.

The fielding effort was predictably strong with a one-handed stunner from Taylor the highlight.

Powell set off some late fireworks with his 59, which included four sixes and one out of the park off Ferguson, but it wasn't enough as he and Lewis were the only major contributors.

Holder and his teammates will be wishing for a few good performances in their Christmas stockings with two ODIs and three T20s still to be played.