Taylor cashes in against soapy ball

New Zealand

Batsman Ross Taylor insisted damp conditions aided New Zealand during Saturday's 12-run win over the West Indies in the first Twenty20 International at Windsor Park.

Batsman Ross Taylor insisted damp conditions aided New Zealand during Saturday's 12-run win over the West Indies in the first Twenty20 International at Windsor Park.

Inclement weather reduced the fixture to 18 overs per side, as the Black Caps surpassed a testing reduced target on the back of captain Brendon McCullum's commanding 40 and Taylor's quickfire 28 not out.

"It's probably easier from the batting perspective when the ball is skidding on a bit. West Indies had to bowl with a ball being like soap and getting it changed two-three times. I don't think I've ever played in a game like that. There was a big crowd and hopefully they got their money's worth," said Taylor.

Seamers Tim Southee and Trent Boult, earlier, restricted the Windies to 132 for eight. Southee and Boult snared two wickets each, while debutant leg-spinner Ish Sodhi cherished the key removal of half-centurion Andre Fletcher.

"We had plans and the plans came off. I think the way Tim and Boult executed those were outstanding. We started off very well but through the middle, they started getting partnerships and we were starting to get on the back foot," added Taylor.

"It looked like we could be chasing 150 or 155 off 18 overs on that wicket . It could have been very tough, specially with the rain around and Duckworth-Lewis. We'll take a lot of positives from that and hopefully, we can do the same tomorrow regardless of whether we are batting or bowling first."

The second and final T20I will be played at the same venue on Sunday.

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