Mitchell McClenaghan’s first international five-for could not defend a meager 156 as West Indies drew first blood in the one-day series with New Zealand albeit via a nervy two-wicket win at Auckland.
The left-arm seamer, playing in his 15th one-day international in addition to 10 Twenty20s but no Tests, bowled opening batsmen Kieran Powell and Johnson Charles before having Darren Bravo held at point and Dwayne Bravo lbw, despite a review, to leave the Windies 60 for four in the 12th over of the reply.
Lendl Simmons rallied with 34 but when he and Narsingh Deonarine fell to Kyle Mills followed by McClenaghan snaring Denesh Ramdin at short cover, the tourists needed 36 for victory with just three wickets left.
Darren Sammy was the match-winner with three sixes and five fours to the short Eden Park boundary in his 27-ball 43 not out, during which James Neesham ousted Jason Holder caught behind. McClenagan returned 5-58 as victory came off his bowling in the 28th over.
Two wickets for Ravi Rampaul had helped reduce the Black Caps to 10 for three after being inserted.
Brendon McCullum’s 51 and 47 from Nathan McCullum boosted the hosts, but Dwayne Bravo’s 4-44 helped to dismiss them in the 43rd over.