Hot on the heels of a red-hot Bangladesh Premier League campaign with Rangpur Riders, anticipation was at a fever pitch when Chris Gayle turned out in the maroon apparel of West Indies, but the big-hitting batsman scored just 22 as West Indies lost the first ODI against New Zealand by five wickets in Whangarei yesterday.

The situation turned worse for West Indies and Gayle as he did not field for the entirety of their defence of 248 for nine -- which was powered by a 100-ball 76 from opener Evin Lewis – due to an illness and is now in doubt for the second ODI in Christchurch on Saturday.

“He took ill,” West Indies coach Stuart Law said after the match. “He's going to seek further medical advice once we arrive in Christchurch tomorrow. At this point in time I can't give you any further details of what's going on.”

Gayle fell victim to resurgent New Zealand paceman Doug Bracewell, who was named player of the match after celebrating the end of a 15-month exile from the national team by claiming four wickets for 55.

Lewis, a batsman who Gayle tipped as the next 'Universe Boss' after the BPL final on December 12, hit seven fours and a six in a mature knock that held the innings together. Rovman Powell hit a 50-ball 59 to take them close to 250.

In New Zealand's chase, a 108-run opening stand between George Worker and Colin Munro set the tone for an easy victory. After that stand was broken, all the top four got handy runs and that was enough to overcome a modest target.

SCORES IN BRIEF

WEST INDIES: 248 for 9 in 50 overs (Gayle 22, Lewis 76, Hetmyer 29, Powell 59; Ferguson 2-49, Bracewell 4-55, Astle 3-33)

NEW ZEALAND: 249 for 5 in 46 overs (Worker 57, Munro 49, Williamson 38, Taylor 49 not out; Holder 2-52, Nurse 2-55)

Result: New Zealand won by 5 wickets.

Player-of-the-match: Doug Bracewell.