The fourth T20 International between the West Indies and New Zealand ended in a no result after persistent rain forced an early abandonment after just 39 balls at Saxton Oval in Nelson on Monday.

The contest was first halted after just five overs, with the initial delay lasting around 30 minutes. Play briefly resumed but only for nine more balls before the rain returned, ending any hopes of a full match.

Before the interruption, the West Indies — sent in to bat — had reached 38 for 1 after 6.3 overs. Opener Alick Athanaze contributed a brisk 21, while Amir Jangoo was unbeaten on 16 alongside captain Shai Hope, who was not out on 3 when play was called off.

Speaking after the match, West Indies captain Shai Hope expressed disappointment with the washout.

“Yeah as we said we didn’t really get chances to go out there and maximizing this in this game but you’ve still got a chance to level this series and that’s our main focus for the next one,” said Hope.

The Barbados native, however, was encouraged by the progress shown throughout the tour.

“Yeah for sure I was looking forward to this one, especially coming from Bangladesh you expect a little bit better surfaces here in New Zealand. Yeah I just thought the guys been playing really good cricket — it’s just about us trying to progress as a team. It’s great to see the fight that we’ve been showing. Unfortunately we didn’t win those last two games, but every time you put yourself in this position you obviously got a chance to win, so I’m very happy with the progress that we are making.”

The washed-out fixture came 24 hours after New Zealand’s nine-run victory in the third T20I at the same venue. In that encounter, the hosts posted 177 for 9, thanks to Devon Conway’s 56 off 34 balls and Daryl Mitchell’s 41 from 24. Matthew Forde (2-20) and Jason Holder (2-31) each claimed two wickets for the visitors.

In reply, the West Indies were bowled out for 168, with Romario Shepherd (49) and Shamar Springer (39) providing late resistance after Athanaze’s quick-fire 31 off 23 balls at the top of the order.

The series now standing at 2–1 in favour of New Zealand who hold an unassailable lead. The West Indies will look to level matters in the fifth and final T20I set for Dunedin on Thursday.