CHRISTCHURCH:

A fighting Daryl Mitchell century set up a tense seven-run win for New Zealand over West Indies in the first one-day international in Christchurch on Sunday.

A hobbling Mitchell struck 119 as the home side posted 269-7. The West Indies accelerated late in their chase to reach 262-6 but it was in vain.

Sherfane Rutherford scored 55 and Justin Greaves an unbeaten 38 off 24 balls in the middle order but their clean hitting wasn't enough.

West Indies needed 20 off the final over by seamer Jacob Duffy, and a six from Romario Shepherd (26 not out) left nine needed from the last two balls.

Duffy held his nerve, putting the home side ahead in the three-match series heading into game two in Napier on Wednesday.

Mitchell's innings stood out on a testing pitch as he reached a seve

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