Kiwis get matchplay and a first-up win in Jamaica

New Zealand won the opening match of their tour of the West Indies today by 85 runs, but the match against the University of West Indies Vice Chancellor's XI was a rain-reduced affair.

New Zealand batted first and scored 254 and then bowled out the home side for 154 as it attempted to chase a revised target of 241 off 45 overs after rain interrupted play.

A 90-run second wicket stand between Stephen Fleming, who opened the innings, and wicket-keeper Chris Nevin, gave the New Zealanders impetus.

Nevin hit 32 off 37 balls, having come to the wicket after Nathan Astle was dismissed for 13.

Fleming went on to score 64 off 82 balls, and was only out when the victim of a dubious call for run out.

In the absence of Craig McMillan, who has an ankle injury, Scott Styris came to light with some hard-hitting down the order, scoring his unbeaten 64 off 47 balls.

In the field, New Zealand used Paul Hitchcock as a bowler only, while Nevin and Lou Vincent shared the wicket-keeping duties.

Left-arm spinner Daniel Vettori bowled seven overs and ended with three for 24, an encouraging sign given his back problems of recent years.

In his first five over spell, Shane Bond took one for 13 and looked sharp and was without luck when getting balls through the defences of the home batsmen but not sufficiently well enough to extract a decision in his favour from the home umpires. Coming back for three more overs he ended with one for 27.

Chris Harris took two for four from three overs to end the game.

New Zealand coach Denis Aberhart said the opposition had not been as strong as would have been liked, however, the opportunity for some match play to get used to the conditions had been invaluable.

"The batsmen got to spend some time in the middle and play some good shots and the bowlers got a bit of a run-in. It was much more beneficial than a net practice," he said.

Aberhart said fast bowler Bond, who is returning to the team after a stress fracture in his foot, bowled well on what was a slow wicket and looked to be regaining his rhythm.

Vincent had started the wicket-keeping duties and had the gloves for 25 overs while Nevin had them for the remainder of the innings.

New selection Hitchcock had started very well and his line and length had been good while his change-up ball had been very good.

"It was good to get used to the conditions which were hot and steamy and there was a reasonable group of people who turned out. We understand there is quite a bit of interest for the first One-Day International on Wednesday [Jamaican time]," he said.