The first international cricket to be played in New Zealand for almost nine months also took place on Friday as the Black Caps beat West Indies by five wickets in a rain-affected first Twenty20.
With the match in Auckland reduced to 16 overs per side, West Indies posted 180-7 after captain Kieron Pollard hit 75 not out off 37 balls, including eight sixes, while New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson claimed 5-21.
The hosts’ target was revised to 176 off 16 overs and, with regular captain Kane Williamson sitting out this series, the Kiwi top order slipped to 63-4.
But an unbeaten 48 off 24 balls from Jimmy Neesham and 31 not out off 18 balls from Mitchell Santner saw New Zealand reach 179-5 with four balls to spare and claim victory on the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method.
New Zealand takes a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20 series, which is followed by two Tests.
BBC Sports
