Twitter reactions: Bowlers, Shamarh Brooks shine as West Indies pip New Zealand in the first ODI

West Indies defeated New Zealand in the first ODI of the ongoing three-match series by five wickets at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados on Wednesday.

Put to bat first, the visitors were bundled out for a mere 190 in 45.2 overs, thanks to a brilliant bowling display by Akeal Hosein and Alzarri Joseph. Both bowlers took three wickets each to dominate the proceedings in the first innings.

While Hosein picked up a three-wicket haul for 28 in his quota of 10 overs, Joseph bagged three scalps while conceding 36 in 8.2 overs. Captain Kane Williamson with 34 off 50 delivereis, was New Zealand’s top run scorer.

In response, the hosts gunned down the target in 39 overs with five wickets in hand. Batter Shamarh Brooks led the team to victory after scoring a sensational 79-run knock from 91 balls, with the help of 10 boundaries, including a six.

Opener Shai Hope (26 off 24) and captain Nicholas Pooran (28 off 47) chipped in with valuable contributions as West Indies won the game to take a 1-0 lead.

Here is how Twitter reacted:

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A comfortable five-wicket win gives West Indies a 1-0 lead in the series 🙌

Watch the #WIvNZ ODI series LIVE on https://t.co/CPDKNxoJ9v (in select regions) 📺 | 📝 Scorecard: https://t.co/g6wtxrResp pic.twitter.com/svUDyjeRWC

— ICC (@ICC) August 18, 2022

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Well played @windiescricket 🤝 The hosts take the 1st ODI in Barbados. Catch up on the scores at https://t.co/3YsfR1YBHU or the NZC App 📲 #WIvNZ pic.twitter.com/6XO8h1CZcK

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) August 18, 2022

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WI go 1 – 0 in the series! #WIvNZ pic.twitter.com/dYqXClbuam

— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) August 18, 2022

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Clinical all round performance by the West Indies, beating the no.1 ranked ODI team New Zealand-Rallyyy round di West Indies #WIvNZ

— JordzW (@JordizzleJ) August 18, 2022

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West Indies won the first ODI by 5 wickets.#WIvNZ Scorecard: https://t.co/iSPaAALNsC pic.twitter.com/OInaVyg4vj

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) August 18, 2022

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Have to salute Shamarh Brooks on his knock yesterday to secure the bag.

He averages 38.44 in 19 ODIs.

One 💯
Four 50s pic.twitter.com/Scekym7PA2

— Caribbean Cricket Podcast (@CaribCricket) August 18, 2022

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Superb performance from @windiescricket to win the 1st ODI against New Zealand by 5 wickets 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽.

This is @windiescricket 1st ODI win over New Zealand in 8 years. #WIvNZ

— Sharat Chandra Bhatt (@imsbhatt0707) August 18, 2022

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WI broke their 9 game losing streak by winning the 1st ODI by 5 wickets!#WIvNZ

— ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA) August 18, 2022

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@windiescricket won 1st ODI by 5 Wickets and lead ODI series 1-0. Excellent spell @AHosein21 3/28 and A Joseph 3/36. Brilliant knock S Brooks 79.#WIvNZ @wiplayers

— JaayShaan (Shankar) (@JaayShaan) August 18, 2022

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Crucial win for WI. Crucial points on board for them. Restricted NZ to 190 with Hosein & Joseph being the key wreckers and others too be it Holder, Sinclair and Cariah doing well. Followed that up with a good chase led by Brooks after early hiccups #WIvNZ

— Kartik O 🏏⚽🔗 (@KOCricket528) August 18, 2022

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Really happy with the performance today and in the last t20. These wins will build team confidence and consistency. Thank you @windiescricket and congratulations! #WIvNZ

— Stef Khan (@Stef_Khan) August 18, 2022

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Congratulations @windiescricket big win! 🎊🎊🎊🎊 The bowlers showed up today and we are very happy 🎊🎊🎊🎊🎊🙏🏽 #WIvNZ

— Arsenal (@German8761) August 18, 2022