West-Indies square series with huge win

HAMILTON: Kirk Edwards and Dwayne Bravo made centuries and Kieran Powell struck 73 from 44 balls as the West Indies crushed New Zealand by 203 runs in the fifth one-day international on Wednesday, leveling the five-match series 2-2.

Edwards made 123 not out and shared a 211-run fourth wicket partnership with Bravo (106) as the West Indies reached 363-4, their highest-ever one-day score, batting first after losing the toss.

Nikita Miller then took 4-45 as the West Indies rolled New Zealand for 160 in 29.5 overs in reply. It was New Zealand's second-largest one-day loss in terms of runs.

The West Indies won the first match of the series by two wickets, while New Zealand won the third by 159 runs and fourth by 158 runs. The second was lost to rain.

The West Indies have been beset by injuries and the unavailability of key players throughout the tour, hurting their performance in the last two matches. But they were determined to end the one-day series on a high note, battering the New Zealand attack in an innings that included 41 fours and nine sixes.

The West Indies bowlers, led by Jason Holder, Bravo and Miller, then exposed the frailty of the New Zealand batsmen when they are placed under consistent pressure. All-rounder Corey Anderson, with 29, had the hosts' highest score as New Zealand crumbled to 65-5.

Bravo bowled opener Martin Guptill when New Zealand was only six and Holder then removed Jesse Ryder (17) and Kane Williamson (17) to break the back of the New Zealand innings. Miller followed by running through the middle order, removing Ross Taylor (9), Brendon McCullum (6) and wicketkeeper Luke Ronchi, who stood on his own stumps. (AP)