28 Nov 2020

Black Caps start summer on winning note

5:43 am on 28 November 2020

New Zealand have won the first T20 cricket international against the West Indies in Auckland by five wickets.

Lockie Ferguson bowls during the Cricket World Cup 2019 match between New Zealand and Bangladesh at The Oval.

Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Chasing an adjusted target of 176 to win in 16 overs, the Black Caps secured victory with four balls to spare at Eden Park on Friday night.

The visitors posted 180-7 batting first, with their innings interrupted several times by rain.

The second match in the three-match series is scheduled for Mt Maunganui on Sunday.

Jimmy Neesham led the way in the successful chase, the New Zealand No 6 making 48 not out from just 24 balls.

Devon Conway made an impressive Black Caps debut, hitting 41 from 29 in his first international match, while Mitchell Santner was not out with Neesham at the end on 31 from 18.

Lockie Ferguson was the undoubted standout of the New Zealand bowlers.

The pace merchant collected 5-21 from his four overs as West Indies skipper Kieron Pollard plundered the rest of the Black Caps attack to all parts with 75 off just 37 balls.

Opener Andre Fletcher was the visitors' next best with the bat, smashing 34 from 14 early in the match, while No 7 Fabian Allen provided good support for Pollard with 30 off 26.