New Zealand beat Windies by D/L

Nelson (New Zealand), Jan 4 (IANS/CMC) New Zealand beat the West Indies by 58 runs under the Duckworth-Lewis method to win the fourth One Day International (ODI) at Saxton Oval here Saturday and take a 2-1 lead in the five-match series. The second ODI at Napier Dec 29 had been washed out.

Rain shortened play during the West Indies' reply to New Zealand's 285 for six off their 50 overs. The West Indies were 134 for five in the 34th over when play was called off, reports CMC.

The West Indies struggled from the start, losing both openers -- Chadwick Walton (0) and Johnson Charles (0).

Kirk Edwards and Lendl Simmons stabilised the innings before Edwards was run out by Brendon McCullum for 24 and Simmons was caught on the boundary for 43 off 48 balls.

When the rain came, Dwayne Bravo (43) and Denesh Ramdin (17) were at the crease but still short of the run equation.

Earlier, opener Martin Guptill set the stage for New Zealand with a knock of 81. Ross Taylor (49), and 47 each from Jesse Ryder and Kane Williamson ensured a challenging target for the West Indies.

Bravo finished with two for 35 with a wicket each for Sunil Narine, Jason Holder and Tino Best.

Best was the most expensive of the bowlers, conceding 22 runs off his final over to end with one for 70 off nine overs.

The West Indies were down to 12 fit players after pacer Ravi Rampaul suffered an injured finger while batting at the nets Friday. This followed injuries to Marlon Samuels and Darren Sammy and the withdrawal of Darren Bravo due to personal reasons.

The fifth and final ODI will be played in Hamilton Wednesday. The two teams will also contest two Twenty20 matches.

Brief Scores:

New Zealand: 285/6 (50 Overs). Martin Guptill 81, Ross Taylor 49, Jesse Ryder 47, Kane Williamson 47; Dwayne Bravo 7-0-35-2, Sunil Narine 10-0-47-1, Jason Holder 10-2-58-1, Tino Best 9-0-70-1.

West Indies: 134/5 (33.4 overs). Dwayne Bravo 43 (not out), Lendl Simmons 43, Kirk Edwards 24, Denesh Ramdin 17 (not out); Nathan McCullum 10-0-30-1, Kane Williamson 8-0-30-1, Mitchell McClenaghan 6.4-1-30-1, Tim Southee 5-1-21-0.

--IANS/CMC

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