New Zealand vs West Indies, 1st T20I: Match Summary
West Indies began their five-match T20I series against New Zealand with a narrow seven-run victory in Auckland. This result marked New Zealand’s fourth consecutive T20I defeat at Eden Park, a streak not seen since 2016–2018 when they lost five straight matches at the venue.
Match Overview
After being put in to bat, the West Indies had a shaky start as Brandon King (3), Alick Athanaze (16), and Ackeem Auguste (2) fell early during the powerplay. However, captain Shai Hope (53) and Roston Chase (28) steadied the innings before Rovman Powell contributed a brisk 33 off 23 balls, helping the visitors post a target of 165 runs.
“We were probably 20 runs short of par,”
Powell remarked during the second innings while on the field mic, assessing their total. Despite his concern, the West Indian bowlers quickly seized control of the game.
Bowling Performances
- Jayden Seales: 3 for 32
- Roston Chase: 3 for 26
The duo dismantled New Zealand’s batting order, leaving only Mitchell Santner to resist with an unbeaten 55. None of the other New Zealand batters managed to reach 30 runs as the hosts collapsed to 107 for nine.
Late Drama
New Zealand required 56 runs from the final 18 balls. Santner launched a fierce counterattack, scoring 36 runs in the next two overs, but Romario Shepherd’s composed final over ensured West Indies secured the win.
Author’s Summary
West Indies edged past New Zealand in a tense finish at Eden Park, holding firm despite Santner’s late heroics to take a 1–0 lead in the T20I series.