The West Indies (WI) seemed to have found a new lease on life, winning their fourth consecutive T20I, beating New Zealand by seven runs at Eden Park on Wednesday.

The West Indies are coming off a 3-0 sweep of the ninth-ranked Bangladesh, and now they have won the first of five games against the fourth-ranked New Zealand. The West Indies are ranked sixth, with Oman sitting at the bottom in 20^th position.

Shai Hope once again led from in front, hitting 53 from 39 balls, inclusive of four 4s and three 6s and rescued West Indies from 43 for 3, reaching a respectable score of 164-6 from their 20 overs. Rovman Powell chipped in with 33 from 23 balls with two 4s and two 6s, and Roston Chase made 28 from 27 balls.

Jacob Duffy took 2-19, Zakary Foulkes got 2-35, and James Neesham took 1-23.

But the West Indies successfully defended the lowest total at Eden Park in a T20I game of 164 as New Zealand could only make 157-9 from their 20 overs.

At one point looked as though they would have surpassed the West Indies total as skipper Matthew Santer blazed 55 not out from 28 balls, inclusive of eight 4s and two 6s. Tim Robinson made 27, and Rachin Ravindra hit 21.

However, Romario Shepherd held his nerve with the ball in the final over to ensure West Indies drew first blood in the five-match series. 

Roston Chase, who won the man of the Match award, captured 3 for 26 to go with his 28 runs. Jayden Seales took 3-32 and Akeal Hosein took 1-4 from one over.

The second match will be played on Thursday.