Wellington: Vettori sliced through the middle order with 4 for 20, after Kyle Mills and Tim Southee had knocked off the West Indian top order, to restrict the visitors to 128. Taylor then scored an unbeaten half-century to help New Zealand overcome a top-order wobble and reach the target in the 21st over.

The West Indies were bowled out for 128 in 41.4 overs by New Zealand after they batted first in the third One-Day International on Wednesday. Captain Daniel Vettori led the New Zealand attack, finishing with 4 for 20, and Shivnarine Chanderpaul top scored for the West Indies with 45.

The West Indies are one up in the five-match series after the first game was abandoned because of rain. Ace West Indies batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul is returning after missing the first two matches because of a hand injury, replacing Sewnarine Chattergoon. Australian-born batsman Brendan Nash was left out in favour of Shawn Findlay.

Vettori won the toss and chose to bowl first in overcast conditions at Westpac Stadium, and his decision was vindicated by the speedy departure of the top of the West Indies order.

Opener Xavier Marshall departed for a duck in the first over, edging Kyle Mills to Jamie How at second slip. He was soon followed by Ramnaresh Sarwan, who edged Tim Southee to How for five. The 4th ODI will played on Saturday.

Part time bowler Jesse Ryder got the vital wicket of Chanderpaul with a first ball lbw and spinner Jeetan Patel took his first wicket after Fidel Edwards skied him to How, who grabbed his third catch of the innings.

Brief Score: New Zealand 129 for 3 (Taylor 51*) beat West Indies 128 (Chanderpaul 45, Vettori 4-20) by 7 wickets