Ravindra, Conway pave the way as Black Caps clinch ODI series against West Indies
Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra's early attack helped New Zealand beat West Indies by five wickets with three balls to spare in a rain-curtailed second one-day international in Napier to seal the three-game series 2-0 on Wednesday.
Chasing 248 for victory in a 34-overs-a-side contest, Conway and Ravindra powered the Black Caps with attacking half-centuries, putting on a 106-run opening stand that dismantled the Caribbean bowling attack early on.
After being put into bat, West Indies' top order faltered, losing half their batters for only 86 in 15.3 overs, as Kyle Jamieson (3-44) dismissed John Campbell and Keacy Carty early on.
Wicketkeeper-batter Shai Hope anchored the innings with a counterattacking century - his 19th in ODIs - featuring 13 fours and four sixes.
Late contributions from Justin Greaves and Romario Shepher, alongside Ho Pe, helped the visitors reach 247-9.
New Zealand started well, but after Ravindra (56) fell in the 17th over, the hosts lost Will Young and Mark Chapman in quick succession. Conway (90) also departed in the 26th over, leaving them on shaky ground at 166-4.
But unbeaten innings by Tom Latham (39 off 29) and captain Mitchell Santner (34 off 15) kept the pressure off New Zealand even as the required run rate went above 10 at times.
The hosts needed seven to win off the last five balls when Jayden Seales (1-51) bowled a no-ball that Latham hit for four, before Santner scored the winning run with a cover drive.
Conway, who admitted that they didn't think they would get a game in at all, said, 200 plus on that wicket in 34 overs was a tricky target to chase.
"We kept reminding ourselves to stick to playing good cricket shots and look straight."
"There was quite a lot of lateral movement of the ball, there was a fair bit of swinging, and so if we could get through that tough period, it would get easier as the innings go on."
Meanwhile, captain Shai Hope, who was the player of the game, was happy with his side's performance.
"The way we've been pushing the game to the back end, pretty much finishing in the last over, it's only a matter of time before we cross the line.
"We have to find a way to cross the line. To be a great team, you have to keep winning against the best."
New Zealand will play the third ODI against West Indies on Saturday, with a three-test series to follow from 2 December.