New Zealand bundle out West Indies for paltry 177

St Peter's, Antigua, Mar 29 (UNI) A mix of seam and spin proved a deadly cocktail for West Indies as they were bundled out for a paltrty 177 in 44.4 overs against New Zealand in their crucial second Super Eight league match of the cricket World Cup at Sir Vivian Richards Ground here today.

Jacob Oram (3 for 23) Shane Bond (3 for 31) ripped through the Windies batting order and spinner Daniel Vettori (3 for 39) cleaned up the tail to put the hosts on the back foot.

For the hosts, opener Chris Gayle top-scored with 44 (56 balls, 8x4) followed by Braian Lara's 37 (37 balls, 1X4).

The Kiwi bowlers showed tremendous discipline and kept attacking the opposition batsmen and in the process put the brakes on the West Indians.

New Zealand skipper Stephen Fleming opted to give his bowlers a go after one look at a pitch that had large patches of damp areas spread right across the surface. The move paid off with the home side tottering at 114/4 after 30 overs in a match they desperately need to win to keep their semi-final hopes alive.

Once again, it was Brian Lara the home side was looking to, to make a match out of it. He had a workmanlike 77 against Australia in yesterday's huge defeat, but today, it was not Lara's day. The Kiwis had a plan for him.

Lara looked set for another big innings but a momentary lapse of concentration did him in as he edged Styris for Brendon McCullum to take an easy catch behind the stumps.

The West Indies skipper faced 49 balls and struck one four during his uneventful stay at the crease. He was the sixth batsman to get out and the scoreboard read 150 whwn he was out in the 37th over. After that, the hosts' innings lasted for another 8.1 overs in which they added 27 more runs before being all out.

The hosts looked to have overcome a hesitant start in helpful conditions for the bowlers, but Oram's induction in the 13th over completely changed the complexion of an otherwise till-then sedate game.

Three overs into his spell, Oram had Ramnaresh Sarwan (19, 27 balls, 2 fours) driving loosely. The ball nicked the inside edge and flew low to wicket-keeper McCullum's left. The stocky glovesman reacted instantly for a brilliant take, the ball having actually crossed his body when his hand closed around it.

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