Sarwan hit three fours on his way to a fine 38 off 57 balls

The first match of the one-day series between New Zealand and West Indies was abandoned because of heavy rain.

West Indies, put in to bat, struggled to 129-5 after 35.4 overs before the players were forced off the field for the third and final time in Queenstown.

The tourists went into the game without batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul, who was suffering from a hand injury.

"He's our number one player. If you don't have Shiv in the team, it's a big loss," said skipper Chris Gayle.

West Indies made a positive start to the game as Gayle and Sewnarine Chattergoon put on 42 before departing in successive overs.

Chattergoon (14) was bowled by Mark Gillespie and Gayle, on 25, fell victim to a controversial decision by umpire Mark Benson, who adjudged him caught behind off Kyle Mills.

Ramnaresh Sarwan (38) and Xavier Marshall (29 not out) halted the slide by adding 60 for the third wicket before Sarwan edged a ball from home skipper Daniel Vettori to the keeper.

And seamer Tim Southee then turned the game firmly in New Zealand's favour by removing Brendan Nash and Kieron Pollard for 12 and three respectively.

That was the last meaningful action, however, as the rain set in and forced the umpires to call the match off.

The teams now head to Christchurch for the second one-dayer on Saturday, which will be followed by games in Wellington, Auckland and Napier.

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