Kingston

A blistering 102-run opening wicket stand between Brandon King and Shamarh Brook guided West Indies to a win against New Zealand by eight wickets in the third T20I to prevent a sweep in the three-match series on Sunday.

Despite suffering a defeat against West Indies by 8 wickets in the third and final match New Zealand clinched the T20I series 2-1.

Chasing 146, right-hander Brandon King (53) got the hosts off to a flyer on his return from injury, while fellow opener Shamarh Brooks (56 not out) played a more cautious role as the hosts put on 102 for the opening wicket to leave New Zealand requiring a miracle.

Rovman Powell with an unbeaten 27, came in to guide the run chase home.

The stand-in West Indies captain smashed Jimmy Neesham for six on the final delivery of the penultimate over to seal the contest.

Earlier opting to bat first, the New Zealand top-order made double-digit figures during their respective innings, but only one batter scored more than 24 as the hosts' excellent bowling restricted visitors to a below-par 145 for the loss of seven wickets.

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The two teams will now play a three-match ODI series with the first match scheduled for August 17 in Bridgetown.