Unseasonal rain played spoilsport at Saxton Oval as the fourth T20 International between New Zealand and the West Indies was abandoned after just 39 balls on Monday.
Persistent showers meant no further play was possible after two interruptions, leaving the five-match series delicately poised at 2-1 in favour of the hosts heading into Thursday’s decider in Dunedin.
Series Finely Balanced
New Zealand, who lead the series, will be eyeing a 3-1 result, while the West Indies will look to level it at 2-2.
Shame we couldn’t get a full game. The more you put yourself in those positions [of thrilling games], the more you learn.
The hosts took the lead with a win in the third T20I at the same venue. Earlier, the West Indies had edged the opening match by seven runs, before Kyle Jamieson’s late-over heroics helped New Zealand clinch the next two contests, defending 15 and 11 runs in the final overs.
Early Play Before Rain Takes Over
After winning the toss, New Zealand opted to bowl first, and the start went ahead on time despite a light drizzle. The West Indies reached 30 without loss when rain first interrupted play in the fifth over.
Following a brief 20-minute delay, Jimmy Neesham struck immediately to remove Alick Athanaze, while opener Amir Jangoo managed a well-timed cover drive to close the powerplay at 35 for one. Soon after, the rain intensified, forcing the umpires to call off the match.
Hope Upbeat Despite Setback
We didn’t really get a chance to get out there and maximise in this game, but we’ve still got a chance to level the series and that’s our main focus for the next one.
“Unfortunately, we didn’t win those last two games. But every time you put yourself in this position, you’ve obviously got a chance to win. So I’m very happy with the progress that we’re making,” he added.
