New Zealand moved ahead 2 to 1 in the ODI contest after defeating West Indies by six wickets in Guyana, with Jayden Lennox once again playing the decisive role.
The spinner followed his five wicket performance in the previous game with 4 for 52 from ten overs. His latest effort also saw him match the record for the most wickets by a New Zealand spinner in a bilateral ODI series.
West Indies appeared settled at 121 for 3, but their innings unravelled. Six wickets fell for only 19 runs, leaving the hosts stranded at 140 for 9. Their innings ended there because John Campbell had earlier retired hurt with an apparent hamstring problem after collapsing while completing a single.
Keacy Carty and Shimron Hetmyer had briefly repaired the innings, but Michael Bracewell removed Carty before Hetmyer was caught attempting another big shot. Lennox then finished strongly, bowling Gudakesh Motie and Alzarri Joseph with excellent deliveries as the final six wickets disappeared in just 51 balls.
Chasing 141, New Zealand were made to work harder than the target suggested. Vitel Lawes impressed again, striking with his second ball to dismiss Henry Nicholls before removing Mark Chapman and Will Young. His pace and control gave West Indies hope as the visitors slipped to 77 for 3.
The contest tightened further when Daryl Mitchell fell to Khary Pierre, but Tom Latham and Dean Foxcroft restored order. Their unbeaten 52 run partnership carried New Zealand safely home.
West Indies may regret not reviewing an appeal against Foxcroft on 9, with replays showing the ball would have hit leg stump. From that moment, Latham and Foxcroft stayed calm and completed the chase without further damage.
New Zealand now hold the advantage, while West Indies must win both remaining matches in Barbados to take the series.
