Black Caps Escape Smashing Finish to Even Series
Kyle Jamieson held his nerve in the final over to level the T20 series at 1-1 with a thrilling three-run win at Eden Park. The Black Caps avoided a late scare in the highest scoring T20 match between the two nations.
Match Summary
Chasing 208 to win, West Indies needed six runs off the final three balls, but Jamieson’s calm bowling secured the victory for New Zealand. The Black Caps looked in control thanks to Mark Chapman’s explosive 78, but tight bowling reduced West Indies to 94 for six after 13 overs.
However, the visitors fought back fiercely, scoring 87 runs in the last five overs—the highest ever in a T20 international chase. Rovman Powell’s fiery 45 from 16 balls, including six sixes, nearly turned the match around before he was dismissed with two balls remaining.
New Zealand’s Batting Performance
Batting first, New Zealand took time to build momentum. Chapman then illuminated Eden Park with a rapid 78 off just 28 balls, helping the team reach 207 for five. He also contributed three catches in the field, one an impressive diving effort, earning him the man-of-the-match title.
Key Bowling Moments
New Zealand’s bowlers made important breakthroughs, including dismissing the West Indies opener Matthew Forde in his fourth over. Forde struck early by breaking the 45-run opening partnership through bowling out Devon Conway, who scored 16 off 24 balls.
"The Black Caps have held on and avoided a late scare to even the Twenty20 series up at 1-1 with a thrilling three-run win at Eden Park."
"In the highest scoring T20 between the two nations, chasing 208 to win, West Indies needed six off the final three balls before Kyle Jamieson held his nerve to secure the win."
Author's summary: New Zealand edged a high-scoring thriller at Eden Park, with calm final-over bowling from Kyle Jamieson securing a narrow win to even the T20 series against West Indies.