Cricket: Blackcaps close out fast-finishing West Indies in first Twenty20 international

The Blackcaps have completed a 13-run win over the West Indies in the first Twenty20 international in Jamaica on Thursday.

After being sent into bat, captain Kane Williamson anchored the NZ innings with a measured 47 off 33 balls, setting the stage for Jimmy Neesham's late cameo (33 off 15 balls) to lift the Blackcaps to an imposing total of 185/5.

The response from the hosts was blunted by early wickets, with Mitchell Santner's double strike causing the run-rate to swiftly balloon beyond their reach.

A late onslaught from Odean Smith (27 off 12) and Romario Shepherd (31 off 16) spared the Windies some blushes but the result was never genuinely in doubt, as the Blackcaps took a 1-0 lead in three-match series.

Santner finished with figures of 3/19 off his four overs to be named player of the match, while the rest of the Blackcaps bowlers finished with a wicket apiece.

The result extends the Blackcaps white-ball win streak to 15, which includes seven one-day internationals and eight T20s.

Tim Southee takes a wicket.
Tim Southee takes a wicket. Photo credit: Getty Images

Williamson - who played his first T20 international since the World Cup final against Australia in November - said he was satisfied with the way his team executed their plan.

"Nice to get the win but the performance and what went into it was more pleasing," he said after the game. 

"We know how dynamic and gifted West Indies players are. We know that's what they are going to bring and for us it was nice to stick to our plan. Having said that, some things to improve. 

"It is just about playing roles and being clear about that."

Conway was in deft touch to open the Blackcaps innings, as he and fellow opener Martin Guptill ticked the runs over at a steady clip.

A screamer of a diving catch on the boundary by Shimron Hetmyer eventually sent Guptill (16) packing to bring a 62-run opening stand to an end, as Conway was caught behind the very next Smith delivery.

Williamson quickly shook off the dust and got to work with Glenn Phillips (17) and Daryl Mitchell (16), before Neesham strode to the crease when his captain was dismissed by another impressive catch on the boundary - this time by Hayden Walsh - in the 18th over.

He proceeded to plunder the Windies attack, slaying 33 runs off the final two overs, including 23 off the final over to provide a telling boost to the Blackcaps' total.

In defence, the Kiwis were able to secure regular wickets, keeping the West Indies behind the run rate throughout.

Santner and Ferguson combined for three wickets in three overs to reduce the Windies to 4/49, as the spinners put the clamps on.

Shepherd and Smith kept the crowd entertained to the end with a masterful display of power hitting off some poor late bowling, producing a whirlwind partnership of 58 off just 26 balls.

They entered the final over from Southee needing 26 runs to win but never really had the Blackcaps sweating, as the New Zealanders secured an impressive first-up victory.

The teams will remain in Kingston for the second match of the series, which is scheduled for Saturday.

West Indies 172/7 (Shamarh Brooks 42 from 43, Jason Holder 25 from 19, Romario Shepherd  31 from 16, Odean Smith 3/32, Obed McCoy 1/39) lost to Blackcaps 185/5 (Devon Conway 43 off 29, Kane Williamson 47 off 33, Jimmy Neesham 33no off 15, Mitchell Santner 3/19) by 13 runs.