New Zealand cruised to a five-wicket win over the West Indies in the first one-day international in Whangarei on Wednesday.
The
tourists reached 248-9 after losing the toss and being sent in to bat, a
target the Black Caps overhauled with four overs remaining.
Opening batsmen George Worker and Colin Munro laid the foundation for the hosts' chase with a 108-run partnership.
New
Zealand pacer Doug Bracewell was named man of the match after taking
four for 55 with the ball, while spinner Todd Astle took three for 33 on
debut.
The tourists struggled from the start of their innings, with dangerman Chris Gayle failing to fire and managing just 22.
Fellow
opener Evin Lewis was the pick of the West Indies batsmen with a classy
76, while Rovman Powell staged a stirring rearguard action to score 59
off 50 balls.
However, New Zealand always looked comfortable pursuing the relatively modest total.
The loss leaves the West Indies yet to register a win on their New Zealand tour after a 2-0 whitewash in the Test series.
They
have not won an ODI series in New Zealand since 1995, and are in a form
slump that has seen them win only three of 17 ODIs contested in 2017.
The next fixture in the three-match ODI series is in Christchurch on Saturday.
New Zealand captain Kane Williamson and pacer Tim Southee will be rested for the second and third ODIs.
