AUCKLAN (New Zealand): New Zealand defeated the West Indies by five wickets in a rain-affected first Twenty20 international at Auckland’s Eden Park on Friday.
The Black Caps finished on 179-5 after being set a target of 176 in a match where the innings were reduced to 16 overs because of persistent showers.
New Zealand bowler Lockie Ferguson was match of the match after claiming a career-best haul of 5-21.
Earlier, Windies captain Kieron Pollard smashed an unbeaten 75 to salvage the innings.
After losing the toss and being put into bat, the West Indies finished on 180 for seven in an innings that was reduced to 16 overs due to persistent showers.
The next fixture in the three-match series is in Mount Maunganui on Sunday.
Teams:
New Zealand: Martin Guptill, Tim Siefert, Devon Conway, Glen Phillips, Ross Taylor, Jimmy Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee (capt), Kyle Jamieson, Lockie Ferguson, Hamish Bennett
West Indies: Brandon King, Andre Fletcher, Shimron Hetmyer, Nicholas Pooran, Rovman Powell, Kieron Pollard (capt), Fabian Allen, Keemo Paul, Sheldon Cottrell, Kesrick Williams, Oshane Thomas
