Cricket: West Indies take lead

Darren Sammy flicks the ball away for four runs during the first ODI match between New Zealand and the West Indies at Eden Park. Photo / Getty Images

The West Indies took a 1-0 lead in their five-game ODI series against New Zealand with a two-wicket win at Eden Park tonight.

Chasing New Zealand's meagre 156, the West Indies reached 157 for eight in 27.3 overs, with allrounder Darren Sammy the hero, hitting an unbeaten 43 off 27 balls.

Left armer Mitchell McClenaghan, with his best ODI figures of five for 58, had reduced the tourists to 96 for six before Sammy grabbed the game and fittingly he clobbered McClenaghan for a mighty six over mid wicket and four to long on in consecutive balls to seal the win.

The second game is in Napier on Sunday.