McCullum powers the Kiwis home

Captain hits 40 off 35 balls as hosts take opening Twenty20 against the West Indies on D/L method after rain stops play.

McCullum hit three fours and a six in his 35-ball knock [AP]

Captain Brendon McCullum hit 40 off 35 balls as New Zealand wrapped up a 12-run Duckworth/Lewis victory over the West Indies in a rainy opening Twenty20 at Windsor Park.

In a match reduced to 18 overs per side by light rain, New Zealand was well placed at 117-4 off 15 overs in pursuit of 133 to win when bad light and persistent drizzle finally ended the contest.

McCullum slammed three fours and a six while former skipper Ross Taylor contributed a crucial, unbeaten 28 off 20 balls.

West Indies skipper Darren Sammy led the hosts’ bowling with 3-22. 

Earlier, the West Indies’ total of 132-8 was based around Andre Fletcher’s top-score of 52 off 39 balls and his third-wicket stand of 88 with Darren Bravo, who contributed 30 off 28 deliveries. Man-of-the-match Fletcher hit one four and four sixes while left-hander Bravo cracked two sixes.

The pace pair of Tim Southee (2-20) and Trent Boult (2-28) were the mainstays of New Zealand’s effort after they won the toss and chose to bowl.

Bolt trapped Lendl Simmons (one) leg-before-wicket with a yorker before Southee removed Dwayne Smith (8) at 10-2. Fletcher and Bravo enjoyed their stand either side of an hour and a half rain interruption.

But once both departed, the innings lost momentum, with allrounder Corey Anderson (2-32) also picking up two wickets.

The second and final match in the series is at the same venue on Sunday.

Source: AP