New Zealand v West Indies 2008-09

Rain once more had a major say in this match. If the outfield had not been returfed two months earlier, and the drainage upgraded at the same time, it is unlikely that there would have been any more play once New Zealand's innings was halted at 26 for one after 6.5 overs. The break featured thunder, lightning and hail, and lasted four hours. On resumption, faithful spectators were rewarded with a thrilling climax to what had become a 28-over match. Ryder belted three sixes off 43 balls, but it took Oram and Elliott to push the total past 150. In the absence of Chanderpaul, with a sore left hand, West Indies - facing a slightly increased target of 158 - depended principally on Gayle and Sarwan. Gayle's 36 off 31 balls included a six off Vettori's second delivery, but two balls later he was cleaned up by a faster one. With 40 required from the last four overs, New Zealand were favourites, but Sarwan, who finished unbeaten with 67 off 65 balls, and latterly Ramdin (28 off 18 balls) swung it the other way with some inventive strokes. They reduced the requirement to four from the last over, from Southee, but had to steal a couple of risky singles to settle the issue with one ball remaining.