Whangarei: New Zealand pacer Doug Bracewell and batsman George Worker shone with the ball and bat respectively as New Zealand thrashed the West Indies at the New Cobham Oval here by five wickets to go 1-0 up in the three-match ODI series.
Earlier, New Zealand won the toss and elected to field first.
The West Indies struggled from the start of their innings, with dangerman Chris Gayle, who made a comeback to the team, failing to fire and managing just 22 runs.
Opener Evan Lewis top scored with a classy 76. Shimron Hetymer (29) and Rovman Powell (59) also contributed to the team’s total, as other batsmen fell like nine pins. The tourists ultimately managed 248-9 in their 50 overs.
Paceman Bracewell was the pick of the bowler with 4 for 55, while debutant spinner Todd Astle chipped in with 3 for 33. Another pace bowler Lockie Ferguson took 2 for 49.
Needing 249 to win, New Zealand always looked comfortable pursuing the relatively modest total. Opening batsmen George Worker and Colin Munro laid the foundation for the hosts’ chase with a 108-run partnership and the Kiwis reached the target with four overs to spare.
Earlier, New Zealand won the Test series 2-0 against the West Indies. The hosts would be looking to take the ODI series as well when they square off for the second ODI match at Christchurch on Saturday.
New Zealand captain Kane Williamson and paceman Tim Southee will be rested for the second and third ODIs respectively. (ANI)