West Indies will have to overcome their erratic play to have any chance against underdogs-turned-favourites New Zealand in the fourth quarterfinal of the World Cup at Wellington on Saturday. Check live updates and scores here: (LIVE SCORECARD | Photos | Videos | Full Coverage )
Both teams have taken contrasting routes to reach the last eight stage with New Zealand winning all their six pool games and West Indies scraping through as the fourth placed team from Group B. An unpredictable West Indies need Gayle for the crucial knock-out game even as captain Jason Holder said a 'final call' on the dangerous opener will be taken not before match day morning. (Read Full Preview )
Will West Indies upset the Black Caps on Saturday?
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OVERALL
Played: 60
New Zealand wins: 23
West Indies wins: 30
Tied: 0
No result: 7
First meeting:
June 18, 1975 The Oval, London West Indies won by five wickets
Last five meetings:
July 16, 2012: Basseterre West Indies won by 20 runs
Dec 26, 2013: Auckland West Indies won by two wickets
Jan 01, 2014: Queenstown New Zealand won by 159 runs
Jan 04, 2014: Nelson New Zealand won by 58 runs (D/L)
Jan 07, 2014: Hamilton West Indies won by 203 runs
WORLD CUP
Played 6
New Zealand wins: 3
West Indies wins: 3
June 18, 1975: The Oval, London West Indies won by five wickets
June 16, 1979: Nottingham West Indies won by 32 runs
March 08, 1992: Auckland New Zealand won by five wickets
May 24, 1999: Southampton West Indies won by seven wickets
Feb 13, 2003: Port Elizabeth New Zealand won by 20 runs
March 29, 2007: North Sound New Zealand won by seven wickets
Brendon McCullum has been praised for the manner in which he has led New Zealand this World Cup.
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Key Men
New Zealand
Brendon McCullum
The fearless New Zealand captain holds the key to all aspects of the Black Caps' match blueprint.
He opens the batting with the firm belief he is there to score fast and ease pressure on those who follow. Proving the point, he hit the fastest World Cup half-century on his way to a rollicking 25-ball 77 against England.
His leaping and diving fielding exploits to save ones, twos and boundaries, regardless of any physical cost, has rubbed off on the rest of the New Zealand side, who pride themselves on being one of the sharpest fielding units around.
McCullum's support for his bowlers, setting aggressive fields and encouraging them to bowl to take wickets has led to three New Zealanders being among the tournament's top ten wicket-takers.
West Indies
Chris Gayle
The explosive Gayle can determine the outcome of match single-handedly if he gets away and his 215 against Zimbabwe in the pool phase is the highest individual innings at any World Cup.
With his long reach, excellent hand-eye co-ordination and ease playing both sides of the wicket, Gayle can be a bowler's nightmare although of late the left-hander's form has been inconsistent
He followed his double century with three against South Africa and 21 against India, suggesting to New Zealand he is due another big score again.
Although Gayle is suffering from a long-term back injury, he is expected to play.
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