Basseterre (St Kitts), Jul 15 (IANS/CMC): The defiant West Indies withstood a brilliant Ross Taylor hundred to beat New Zealand by 24 runs in the fourth One-Day International and clinch a series win over a top eight ICC side for the first time in four years here.

Defending 264 at Warner Park, the West Indies held their nerves in the crucial last ten overs to restrict the Black Caps and bowl them out for 240 with three balls left in the innings, and take a winning 3-1 lead in the five-match series, reports CMC.

Skipper Taylor, playing his first match of the ODI series following injury, batted superbly for 110 from 115 balls to steer the innings but was dismissed in the penultimate over with the Kiwis needing quick runs.

He was one of four wickets for fast bowler Tino Best (4-46) but it was mystery off-spinner Sunil Narine who strangled the Kiwi batsmen in an excellent spell of two for 20 from his ten overs and earned the Man-of-the-Match honour.

Kieron Pollard's fifth One-Day International half-century had earlier helped the West Indies rally to a competitive 264 all out, after they were staring down the barrel at 59 for four in the 18th over.

The aggressive right-hander top-scored with 56 as the West Indies were bowled out off the penultimate ball of the innings.