New Zealand take on West Indies in the second ODI on August 19 in Barbados. After winning the T20I series, the Kiwis lost the first ODI against the Windies by five wickets.
The west indies haven’t been accustomed to winning 50-over series for some time, in fact they’ve only won two of the nine series they’ve played since 2021.
Against New Zealand, they have the opportunity to make it three. The first match was about the bowlers paving way for an easy chase by the Windies batters.
Brooks told CWI Media it was a “wonderful feeling” to lead the team to victory.
“It’s my first ODI here in Barbados. I remember Jason Holder telling me this morning I need to make it a memorable one. I’m just happy that we got over the line…We all know how important these three ODIs are for us going forward for the World Cup so it’s good to start with a W.”
Both he and Pooran said they regretted not being able to finish the job themselves.
Wednesday, Brooks is hoping that he and his team-mates can keep building on what they have been trying to do this year in ODIs.
“We have been trying to improve as a team,” he said. “When we look at our last series against India, the batting performances, getting 300-plus in back-to-back games and even though we lost the games, that was good for a team like us that are now building and getting ready for the World Cup next year.”
“To come here and win the first game against the Kiwis in difficult conditions is a real plus.” he added
Looking ahead to Wednesday, Brooks added: “I guess it’s just to trust the processes that we’ve been doing, to stay consistent…We just gotta come back strong, apply the basics and put our best foot forward and I believe we should cross the line.”