Chris Gayle fails as New Zealand beat West Indies by five wickets in ODI opener

Chris Gayle fell for just 22 on his return to an injury-hit West Indies side as they lost the first one-day international to New Zealand by five wickets.

The Windies, who were without the unfit trio of Marlon Samuels, Alzarro Joseph and Sunil Ambris for the clash in Whangarei, started off slowly with New Zealand bowling three maidens in as many overs at the start of the innings.

Gayle, who arrived in sparkling form after a recent T20 competition in Bangladesh, struggled for his usual rhythm and was caught behind in the 10th over, having notched up three boundaries and a maximum from his 31 balls.

Evin Lewis got the scoreboard ticking over, reaching a half-century (76) alongside Rovman Powell (59), but a strong bowling effort from New Zealand restricted the tourists to 248-9 in the 50 overs.

Doug Bracewell was the pick of the bowlers for the hosts, taking 4-55 from his eight overs.

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In reply, opener George Worker made 57 off 66 balls, while at the other end Colin Munro fell one short of a half-century as New Zealand raced to 118-2 after just 18 overs.

Going at a rate of more than a run a ball when only five an over was needed, the Black Caps were cruising to their target until captain Kane Williamson fell for 38.

That could have been the big breakthrough, but New Zealand recovered and cantered on to reach their target with 24 balls to spare, Ross Taylor stranded on 49no as the winning run came off a wide from Powell.

Can Windies bounce back? Watch the second one-day international between New Zealand and Windies live on Sky Sports Cricket from 9.55pm on Friday.