AFP, Wellington :
New Zealand were Sunday wary of Chris Gayle coming into form in the second Twenty20 as they eyed a series sweep against the West Indies.
The home side have already tucked away victories in the two Tests, three one-dayers and the first of three Twenty20 matches.
New Zealand captain Kane Williamson said “it would be great” to pull off a series sweep in the Twenty20 in Mount Maunganui on Monday, but the Gayle factor was lurking in the background.
The West Indies talisman was in devastating form in early December when he smashed a record 18 sixes in an unbeaten innings of 146 off 69 balls in the Bangladesh league.
But he has failed to fire so far in New Zealand, with scores of 22 and four in the two ODIs he played and 12 in the first Twenty20.
“He’s a fantastic player, probably the best T20 record in the game and can take the game away at any time,” Williamson said on his return to the New Zealand squad after sitting out the last three games.
