NZ vs WI 4th T20I: Rain Washes Out Match After 39 Balls, New Zealand Lead Series 2-1

Rain ruined what should have been another thrilling match between New Zealand and the West Indies. The 4th T20 International in Nelson was called off after only 39 balls. The home team won the toss and opted to bowl first, sending the West Indies in under overcast skies. Soon enough, the weather dominated everything. Players and fans alike felt let down by the outcome.

Right from the beginning, things did not seem ideal. Heavy clouds hung over Saxton Oval. The weather report called for showers all afternoon and into the evening. Even so, the game started punctually. That gave folks a bit of optimism for some solid overs of play.

West Indies openers Alick Athanaze and Amir Jangoo came out to face a challenging opening burst from New Zealand's fast bowlers Kyle Jamieson and Jacob Duffy. They kept the batters guessing throughout.

Jamieson and Duffy delivered with real precision. They maintained tight lines and did not let the openers get comfortable at the crease. Still, they picked out a few boundaries that helped nudge the score along a little.

Plays and misses happened often. Yet the visitors showed some aggression too. From the second over through the fifth, West Indies picked up two fours and two sixes. It proved they intended to go after the bowling, rain or no rain.

After five overs, the first shower arrived. Officials paused play for about 30 minutes. When action restarted for a short while, James Neesham made an immediate impact. He dismissed Athanaze for 21 runs.

Amir Jangoo was not out on 12 as West Indies reached 38 for 1 wicket in 6.3 overs. The match never really gained momentum after that. Heavier rain poured down once more.

Umpires checked the conditions several times during extended delays. In the end, the umpires abandoned the game entirely. Both sides left the field feeling frustrated. No result came from the effort.

New Zealand holds a 2-1 lead in the five-match T20I series now. With this result, the West Indies must win the decider in Dunedin on Thursday. Only then can they draw level.

The brief play still brought some encouraging signs for New Zealand. Jamieson and Duffy extracted swing and seam early on. Neesham's breakthrough put extra strain on the opposition. The fielding unit appeared alert and ready. It showed the Black Caps came prepared until the downpour halted things.

The washout hit the West Indies at the worst possible moment. They required a victory to keep their series hopes alive. A solid batting effort seemed within reach. Athanaze displayed potential in his short stay. Jangoo stayed composed and watchful before the weather dashed their plans.

Rain has disrupted the series for the second time. Supporters want better conditions for the finale. That way, the contest can conclude properly.

New Zealand enjoys the advantage heading into the last game. West Indies will have to produce their top performance to force a 2-2 tie. The Dunedin clash will determine whether the hosts claim a series triumph at home or whether the visitors rally to split the spoils.

In the final match, everyone hopes for plenty of boundaries and sixes. Not another soaking from the skies.