West Indies speed to victory

West Indies defeated New Zealand by nine wickets in Jamaica to get off to an emphatic start in their five-match ODI series.

Set a revised target of 136 in 33 overs after a rain interruption, the home side coasted home with Chris Gayle (63 not out) and Dwayne Smith (65 not out) adding an unbeaten 130 for the second wicket.

West Indies quick bowler Andre Russell's opening spell of 3-20 had earlier put the tourists on the backfoot from the start and they were never able to break free of the stranglehold imposed by the West Indies. Russell finished on 4-45 as the hosts put on an impressive display in the field.

BJ Watling (60) did at least hold firm while the lower order hit around him to give the Black Caps something to bowl at, closing on 190-9.

Off-spinner Sunil Narine continued the promising beginnings to his international career with 2-26 from 10 overs, including the important wicket of New Zealand captain Kane Williamson.

Pace bowler Ravi Rampaul also claimed vital dismissals when he removed Jacob Oram (32 off 39 balls with two sixes) just as the big hitter was getting into his stride and then returned at the death to bowl Watling.

Kyle Mills struck an early blow in the West Indies reply when he had Lendl Simmons caught behind for a duck.

Gayle (4 x 4 and 5 x 6) and Smith (6 x 4 and 3 x 6) then played in their usual stroke-laden manner to reduce the target to double figures before play was halted just after 3pm with lightning preceding the expected downpour.

With 20 overs of the reply required to constitute a match, the home side were two short at the break.

Conditions brightened enough for play to resume almost two hours later with the batting side easing to victory with 52 balls to spare.

The teams remain in Kingston for the second ODI on Saturday.