Holder confident Windies can go upwards despite 143-run loss to Kiwis in WC quarters

West Indies cricket team captain Jason Holder has claimed that he has a lot of confidence that his side can go upwards despite their 143-run humbling by New Zealand in their World Cup quarterfinal tie at the Westpac Stadium in Wellington on Saturday.

The West Indies had a topsy-turvy ride in the 2015 World Cup, surviving the group stage to reach the knockouts but were bowled out of the quarterfinals by a strong New Zealand side.

New Zealand put up a daunting 394-run target for the West Indies to win, much thanks to Martin Guptill's unbeaten 237-run knock, which was also the highest total posted by an individual in a World Cup. Holder's men were unable to chase the target and fell 143 runs short as they were bundled out for 250 in 30.3 overs.

However, the defeat has not disheartened the West Indies captain, although he did admit that it was tough to defend.

Holder insisted that his side was in the game until the 35th over, while he lauded Guptill for his brilliantl playing. He pointed out that they put the New Zealand opener down early, as a set batsman on the Westpac pitch is dangerous.

However, the skipper conceded that his side didn't bowl their Yorkers well, adding that it was a difficult challenge.

Holder admitted that they had an up-and-down World Cup, insisting that he would of course like to keep the job as he doesn't believe that he has done too badly. He claimed that he has a lot confidence that they can go upwards.