Chanderpaul returns to steer Windies to victory

Left hander Shivnarine Chanderpaul overcame an elbow injury to fire the West Indies to a dramatic four wicket victory over New Zealand to clinch the Cable & Wireless one-day series 3-1 on Sunday.

Chanderpaul had retired hurt on 13 runs in the tenth over, when his team were on 60-0 in pursuit of New Zealand's 291 total.

But with the middle order crumbling, Chanderpaul made a dramatic reappearance in the 49th over and hit three consecutive boundaries to clinch a memorable win.

Chanderpaul had not been expected to reappear after taking a 97 mile-per-hour delivery on the point of his elbow.

"I wasn't too sure if I would be able to come back on because I couldn't pick up my bat after it happened. The doctor said it was just bruising, although he has sent the X-ray for a second opinion," Chanderpaul said afterwards.

The Guyanan took the crease when the West Indies' last recognised batsman, Ridley Jacobs was dismissed for 18.

Chanderpaul began the last over of the game with his team needing to score 15 from six balls and responded by hitting the hapless Daryl Tuffey for three boundaries.

He settled the series by running a single from the last ball of the game.

New Zealand skipper Stephen Fleming had put his team in to bat and his team seemed to have done enough.

A solid 65 by Fleming, followed by a 139-run stand between Craig McMillan and Lou Vincent carried the tourists to a fairly substantial total.

The West Indies had clearly been missing the steadiness and penetration of injured pace man Mervyn Dillon, who was out with a back injury.

However, man-of-the-series Chris Gayle again came good by ripping through the middle order to take four wickets for 44.

Nevertheless, the Black Caps' total was the second highest that they have scored in one-day cricket against the West Indies, and it seemed to be enough for them to level the series.

Home batsmen Gayle and Chanderpaul started brightly against the pace attack of Shane Bond and Daryl Tuffey, with Gayle eventually hitting eight fours and one incredible cut for six to score 67 off 79 balls.

Gayle's innings came to an end when he was caught by Chris Harris from a Daniel Vettori delivery, but his series was impressive.

He took 12 wickets in the four full games for an average of 15.83 runs per game and 48.5 at the crease.

"I am in a good phase with my timing. It was unfortunate not to get a big 100 in this series but I am looking forward to the Test matches," Gayle said afterwards.

Brian Lara came in at number three, but again flattered to deceive.

He showed some of his trademark flourishing shots but was caught and bowled by Chris Harris on 47.

The West Indies looked to be in trouble when Fleming caught Hooper from a Paul Hitchcock delivery for 45 with the home side on 219-3 with less than 10 overs remaining.

However, Ramnaresh Sarwan stayed long enough to score 52 and set the scene for the dramatic final over.

Mail Cricket Editor