PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC):

Head coach Ottis Gibson expects West Indies to complete an easy victory over New Zealand on today's final day, and set up a grand finale in the Barbados Test starting next week.

New Zealand finished the fourth day of the second Test at Queen's Park Oval on 257 for eight, just 18 runs ahead, leaving the Windies in pole position to snatch a comprehensive win.

"We had to toil hard and we knew we would have to toil hard, but I'm proud of the way we have played in this match ... the way we fought back after going 1-0 down in the first match at Sabina Park," said Gibson.

"Overall, we had a good day and we will look to come back tomorrow and finish the job."

When New Zealand were reduced to 212 for eight after tea, still 27 runs adrift of avoiding an innings defeat, it appeared West Indies would complete a fourth day victory.

However, wicketkeeper BJ Watling, occupied the crease for 4-1/4 hours in scoring an unbeaten 38, while tail-ender Mark Craig has so far batted 1-3/4 hours for his 29 not out, to frustrate the Windies in a ninth-wicket stand worth 45 runs.

Kemar Roach has so far taken three for 53, while fellow seamer Jerome Taylor (2-46) and combative left-arm spinner Sulieman Benn (2-62) finished with two wickets apiece.

"This is what Test cricket is all about ... it tests your character, fitness levels and skills, but we will come back and we will get the job done," Gibson pointed out.

"We have played four really good days of cricket and we are confident. Throughout the days everyone stepped up when they were called upon and we stayed strong for most of the day."