Despite a brilliant knock of 109 by skipper Shai Hope, the West Indies lost by five wickets to New Zealand in the second ODI at McLean Park on Tuesday night and took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the best-of-three series.

Home team New Zealand won the toss and asked West Indies to bat first, and the visitors made 247-9 from their 34 overs. New Zealand, in return, reached the target of 248-5 with three balls to spare.

Hope, batting at number four, hit 109 not out from just 69 balls, inclusive of 13 fours and four sixes in a splendid knock for his 19^th ODI century. The West Indies wicketkeeper drew level with the great Brian Lara on 19 centuries and is just behind Chris Gayle, who has 25.

It was Hope’s first ODI century against New Zealand, and he has now hit a century against every Test-playing nation and reached the milestone of 6000 ODI runs and becoming the second-fastest West Indian batter to have done so.

Three of his colleagues all scored 22 runs in Ackeem Auguste,  Justin Greaves and Romario Shepherd. Matthew Forde hit 21 as the West Indies scored 111 runs in the last overs.

Bowling for New Zealand, Nathan Smith took 4-42 and Kyle Jamieson captured 3-44 while Mitchell Santner got 1-35 from his seven overs.

But New Zealand responded well with a brilliant start Denvon Conway (90) and Rachin Ravindra posted a century opening stand of 106 that paved the way.

But it took a power-hitting at the end by skipper Mitchell Santer to carry them home as he struck 34 not out from 15 balls with three fours and two sixes to win with three balls remaining.

Justin Greaves took 1-35 from four overs, and Matthew Forde got 1-42 from his seven overs, as did Roston Chase with 1-44.

With the series now lost, the West Indies will be looking to salvage some pride in he third and final match on Friday, November 21.