Ross Taylor believes rain aided New Zealand's T20 win over West Indies

The tourists won a rain-affected clash, the first of a two-match series, by 12 runs on Saturday by virtue of the Duckworth-Lewis method.

Andre Fletcher's 52 helped the hosts to 132-8 from 18 overs, while New Zealand, with Taylor 28 not out, were 117-4 off 15 when the weather brought play to a permanent halt.

Taylor believes almost constant light rain made fielding and bowling especially difficult in the second innings.

"It's probably easier from the batting perspective when the ball is skidding on a bit," he said.

"West Indies had to bowl with a ball being like soap and getting it changed two or three times.

"I don't think I've ever played in a game like that.

"There was a big crowd and hopefully they got their money's worth."

Fletcher, who came in at 8-1 and then saw Dwayne Smith depart as West Indies fell to 10-2, is hoping for an improved start in the second game of the series on Sunday.

"We just hope that we are not in a position when too many wickets fall early, but if I do get a bat then I can continue the great form," he said.