Time to nail the coffin shut

DESTROYER: Mitchell McClenaghan has been in the wickets. PHOTO/APN

What a difference a fortnight makes. There we were on the night of December 26 pondering New Zealand's chances of getting back into their ODI series against the West Indies, having lost a tight opening contest at Eden Park, amid talk of an evenness between the teams, as borne out by their International Cricket Council rankings of seven (Windies) and eight (NZ).

Just how much the violence of Corey Anderson and Jesse Ryder's assault in the shortened contest at Queenstown on New Year's Day took out of the tourists, only they know.

But the odds strongly favour New Zealand going on to win the decider at Seddon Park today and clinching a 3-1 series, to follow their emphatic 2-0 test rubber win.

Two T20s are a few days away - the last before the world T20 in Bangladesh in three months - and if New Zealand stretch their necks they'll see India preparing to board a plane heading this way. It's a good time to be in prime, and importantly, winning form.

But in Kane Williamson's mind what matters most is today and another chance for success.

New Zealand had what coach Mike Hesson has called "a bad week" in Bangladesh, when they were dusted 3-0 in October/November. But before that, there were ODI series wins in South Africa and England last year, no mean double achievement in anyone's book.

The West Indies, shorn of several players through injury, are battling. Time then for New Zealand to nail the coffin shut.

"It's very much [about] this game and we know how important it is for our team to keep improving and building on each performance, so this team is moving in the right direction," Williamson said yesterday.

"It comes back to focusing on our own game. There's a series win on the line and if we can keep playing the cricket we want to at the level we want to play it, then ultimately wins will come."

West Indies wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin bemoaned an injury toll which has ravaged their leading group, but he knows they have a final opportunity to pick themselves up in the ODI series.

"The guys are looking forward to going home but at the same time we're tuned up to give a good showing," he said. "New Zealand have been clicking on all aspects of the game so it's going to be tough."

If New Zealand are looking for an extra incentive today try this: win and they'll go ahead of the Windies into seventh spot on the ICC rankings, albeit on the same points, 88, but having played fewer games.

It mightn't sound much, but every step counts.

Ross Taylor is up to a career-high No3 on the test batting rankings, behind only South Africa's AB de Villiers and West Indian Shiv Chanderpaul. APN News & Media