Gayle, Smith guide Windies to easy win over Kiwis

Chris Gayle and Dwayne Smith registered half centuries as the West Indies coasted to a nine-wicket victory over New Zealand in a rain-shortened first One-Day International at Sabina Park in Kingston, Jamaica, on Thursday.

Rain intervened when the West Indies, chasing New Zealand's total of 190-9 off 50 overs, were cruising at 93 for 1 from 18 overs.

But the hosts returned and chased down the revised target of 136 off 33 overs with 8.4 overs to spare.

Opener Gayle was unbeaten on 63 off 57 balls. His third successive half century, following two in the Twenty20 internationals last weekend, included three fours and five sixes.

Smith top-scored with an unbeaten 65 off 77 deliveries, inclusive of six fours and three sixes.

The pair shared an unfinished second-wicket stand of 130 off just 128 balls as the hosts triumphed with 52 balls remaining.

Earlier, Andre Russell, who was later adjudged man of the match, finished with four wickets for 45 runs from ten overs as the Black Caps were restricted to 190 for 9 in 50 overs.

Wicketkeeper B J Watling (60) and Jacob Oram (32) were the only notable contributors to New Zealand's meagre total.