The West Indies lost by three runs in a brave run chase, falling short of the 207 runs set by New Zealand in the second T20I early Thursday morning.

The West Indies made 204-8 as Rovman Powell struck 46 from 18 balls with six 6s and one 4 with a devastating strike rate of 281 per cent batting at number six in the order. 

Earlier, home team New Zealand raced to 207-5 with Mark Chapman hitting a top score of 78 from 28 balls with six 4s and seven 6s. 

He punished the West Indies bowlers and finished with a strike rate of 278. 

Daryl Mitchell chipped in with 28 from 18 balls and set the West Indies the formidable run chase.

Roston Chase took 2-33 from his four overs, Mathew Forde got 1-17 and Jason Holder took 1-34. 

When the West Indies started their run chase, they lost Brandon King for zero with the third ball of the innings, but Alick Athanaze (33) and Shai Hope (24) steadied the ship with a 49-run partnership. 

Powell then went on the assault and nearly took the West Indies home with a blistering knock of 46 before he was the last man out with two balls remaining at 202.

Powell got good support from Romario Shepherd with 34 with four 6s from 16 balls and Matthew Forde with 29 from 13 balls with two 4s and two 6s.

Mitchell Santer captured 3-31, Ish Sodhi took 3-39 and Jacon Duffy 1-21 as New Zealand levelled the five-match series 1-1.