A thumping 5-wicket victory takes Windies 1-0 up in the ODI series against Blackcaps

West Indies have registered a great comeback as they beat New Zealand in the 1st ODI at Kensington Oval, Barbados. They continued their winning run from the last T2OI after being thrashed in the shorter format

West Indies elected to bowl first after winning the toss and failed to get early breakthroughs. New Zealand started well with their opening pair for a 41-run partnership before it was broken by Akeal Hosein in the 9th over.

The visitors then couldn't build any generous partnership and kept losing wickets at regular intervals. Michael Bracewell and Mitchell Santner in between tried to recover the inning but failed to do so as Windies bowlers kept things very tight.

Skipper Kane Williamson was the highest run-getter for his team as he scored 34 runs. No NZ batter could even reach the half-century mark as they were all out for just 190 runs in 45.2 overs.

Hosein and Alzarri Joseph were the successful bowlers for West Indies as they both got 3 wickets each. They were well supported by Jason Holder who found two scalps with  Kevin Sinclair and Yannic Cariah getting a single wicket each.

Chasing the target, West Indies had a nervy start as they lose two wickets inside the powerplay. Shamarh Brooks on the other hand was looking good and first added 37 runs for the third wicket with Keacy Carty and then added 75 runs with skipper Pooran for the 4th wicket.

He reached the maiden half-century of his T2OI career before getting dismissed for 79 runs in 34th over. Pooran scored 28 runs before he was dismissed by Tim Southee.

Holder and Jermaine Blackwood then made sure of avoiding any more casualties before getting to the target. The hosts chased down the total in 39 overs with 5 wickets in hand to put their team 1-0 up in the ODI series.

Shamarh Brooks was the highest run scorer for his team with Boult and Southee getting two wickets each. Brooks for his brilliant batting performance was adjudged as player of the match.

Both teams will face off in the 2nd ODI on Friday where the visitors will look level and keep the series alive whereas West Indies will try to clinch the series after a humiliating loss in the T2OI series.