Whangarei (New Zealand): Doug Bracewell (4/55) dismissed Chris Gayle (22, 31b, 3×4, 1×6) with his first delivery for New Zealand in 16 months and helped the hosts to a five-wicket win over the West Indies in the first of three one-day matches here, Wednesday.
Man of the match Bracewell ended a lengthy exile from international cricket by dismissing Gayle and Shai Hope (0) in his first over. West Indies did not ever recover from the blwos and could only put up a modest 248 for nine in 50 overs. The Kiwis were never in trouble and easily reached the target with 24 balls to spare. Right-arm pacer Bracewell was well supported by leg-spinner Todd Astle (3/33).
An untried partnership between George Worker (57, 66b, 3×4) and Colin Munro (49, 36b, 8×4) put New Zealand on a firm platform before Ross Taylor (49 n o, 76b, 2×4) took them home. Taylor was denied his 39th ODI half century when the winning run came from a wide.
Evin Lewis (76, 100b, 7×4, 1×6) top scored for the visitors and was unlucky to be given leg before when TV replays showed that Astle’s googly was missing the off-stump. Their innings received a boost when Rovman Powell (50, 50b, 4×4, 2×6) launched a brilliant counter-attack after the 40th over before being the last man out.
Brief scores: West Indies 248 for 9 (Evin Lewis 76, Rovman Powell 59; Doug Bracewell 4/55, Todd Astle 3/33) lost to New Zealand 249 for 5 in 46 overs (George Worker 57, Ross Taylor 49 n o; Jason Holder 2/52) by five wickets.
Agence France-Presse