New Zealand vs West Indies, 1st T20I at Auckland, WI in NZ, Nov 27 2020 - Match Result

Right then, thanks for your company, that's all we have for you for now. Join us again on Sunday for the second T20I of what is already promising to be a superb series, but till then, it's goodnight.

"It was a very strange game but nice to come out the right side," Tim Southee says. "We had a word after taking that first wicket and we knew if we kept taking wickets, we would be in the game and the fight that Lockie showed was great. He came on when they had 50 off three overs. We needed something special and he produced it. Going off and on with the rain, it was a juggling act with choosing our best bowlers. It's much better for everyone to have a hit after a long layoff. Devon did very well with Neesham and then Santner in the end. Kyle had a good hit too. It's not easy when you've gone for a few with the ball then put that aside and bat the way he did, especially after losing wickets. Lots of sides fall over, but this side didn't. It's been a long time coming, we're fortunate to be back out here playing in front of the crowds and hope the fans enjoyed it"

"I hope the crowd enjoyed it. It was fantastic cricket. It was a topsy turvy game. A bit of indiscipline showed for us, in the bowling, and losing five wickets in that space of time in the batting too," Kieron Pollard says. "Having said that, we put a challenging total. International cricket, five-six no balls, high full tosses, that's not good. You have to hit the ball in the pitch, this one offered assistance. So we have to come back stronger, we have to be mentally tough. But all in all, I hope the crowd enjoyed it, they're coming back and it's great"

Lockie Ferguson is Man of the Match for his ripping five-for! He came on to bowl after West Indies had got 50 in three overs and tore through the side. "I know the boys started out okay. It's a crazy ground to play at. It just happens like that for bowlers. I put a lot of work in to make sure my body can bowl full on. I don't swing the ball, so pace is my thing. Very pleased with the result today. I thought the boys were switched on, the fielding was exceptional, very happy for the boys. Parnell, very vocal and passionate about that club and very happy to help them out [the Man of the Match gets to present 500 dollars to a cricket club of their choice from ANZ]"

11.16 pm It's well past bed time for some people in the crowd, but just the fact that there was one, and they were all treated to a game like this makes you feel like sport is healing. The world is healing.

Pollard will know a little bit about that. He healed West Indies' innings, which fell violently ill as it lurched from 58 for 0 to 59 for 5. The captain hit 75 off 37 balls and if that sounds like he just came in and went beserk, well, he didn't. He was cautious. He was precise. He was calculating. He was unstoppable.

But his bowlers let him down. Keemo Paul's no-balls. Kesrick Williams' half-volleys. T20s change on the back of a few balls. A few balls to get a batsman set. A few balls that change momentum. Those were the ones that gave New Zealand belief. And Neesham ran with it.

Pollard to close it out. He'll believe he can defend this.

New Zealand need four of six.

For those of you (in the USA) who missed it, here's how New Zealand suddenly and swiftly carved up West Indies' top half earlier today.

New Zealand need 15 off 12 balls now. That Keemo Paul over was brutal for West Indies...

Phani: "Maxi teed off, Neesham teed off, Sheldon has excellent figures in a high scoring match, Jordan bowled wonderfully well during warm ups.. somewhere KXIP must be wondering where were these performances a month ago."

Kunal: "Whisper it... super over?"

New Zealand need 29 off 18 balls. Is it me or does that no longer looks quite as straightforward...

Stuart: "Pollard would have needed a hat trick to change the game. No way you can defend 9 an over at Eden, Neesham will finish this before the last over "