Fourth NZ-West Indies T20I Abandoned by Rain

Persistent rain forced the abandonment of the fourth Twenty20 international between New Zealand and West Indies on Monday at Saxton Oval in Nelson, leaving the home team with a 2-1 series lead heading into the final match.

New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner won the toss and chose to bowl, with the Black Caps making one change by bringing back Mark Chapman for Mitchell Hay. West Indies replaced Akeal Hosein with Roston Chase. The visitors started steadily, reaching 30 without loss after five overs, but a brief drizzle halted play. Upon resumption, James Neesham struck immediately, dismissing opener Alick Athanaze for 21 off 18 balls, caught by Daryl Mitchell at mid-on. West Indies advanced to 38 for one in 6.3 overs before heavier rain returned, preventing any further play. Officials called off the match around 4:08 p.m. local time.

The series has been tightly contested, with all three completed games decided in the closing stages. West Indies claimed the opener in Auckland by seven runs, powered by Shai Hope's 53 and a disciplined bowling effort led by Roston Chase, who took three for 26 and earned player of the match honors despite Santner's unbeaten 55 in the chase. New...