West Indies defeated New Zealand by 9 wicket in first Test

West Indies defeated New Zealand by 9 wicket in first Test of the two-match series.

Fast bowler Kemar Roach took 5-60 and opener Chris Gayle hit 64 not out to lead West Indies to a nine-wicket victory over New Zealand on Sunday in the first of two tests.

Roach s probing spell helped New Zealand topple from 199-3 overnight to 272 only 75 minutes after lunch at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium. Offspinner Sunil Narine claimed 3-91 to finish with match figures of 8-223, while swing bowler Ravi Rampaul took 2-52.

Brendon McCullum hit 84 and Martin Gutpill 67 to provide the visitors only resistance on the fourth day.

West Indies raced to 102-1 off 19.3 overs, with Gayle following his 150 in the first innings by blasting eight fours and two sixes off 49 balls. Kieran Powell compiled 30 and shared an opening stand of 77.

It was the Caribbean bowlers who dominated on the last day, with Roach leading the way.

New Zealand had negotiated the first 40 minutes without much alarm, but was derailed following a 20-minute rain delay.

Roach broke through with the second delivery upon resumption, Kiwi skipper Ross Taylor playing across the line to be lbw. He scored 21 off 78 balls with three boundaries.

In his next over, Roach struck more spectacularly, plucking out the off stump of Williamson (0) with an excellent leg-cutter.

New Zealand limped to lunch at 225-5, after adding just 26 runs off 26 overs in the morning session. The visitors struggled after the break as well, with the second new ball further compounding their misery.