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 at Eden Park, Auckland. This defeat marked New Zealand’s fourth consecutive T20I loss at the venue, their longest losing streak since 2016–2018, when they dropped five in a row.
Match Overview
Batting first, West Indies posted 165 runs thanks to key contributions from captain Shai Hope and all-rounder Rovman Powell. Although the team had a difficult start, they managed to stabilize and post a competitive total.
West Indies Innings
- Brandon King scored 3 runs.
- Alick Athanaze added 16 before being dismissed early.
- Ackeem Auguste was dismissed for 2.
- Captain Shai Hope anchored the innings with a solid 53.
- Roston Chase scored 28, offering stability through the middle overs.
- Rovman Powell’s quick 33 off 23 balls pushed the total to 165.
“We were probably 20 runs short of par,” said Rovman Powell during the second innings.
New Zealand Chase
Chasing 165, New Zealand struggled against the disciplined West Indies bowling attack. Only Mitchell Santner found form, remaining unbeaten with a fighting half-century.
- Jayden Seales claimed 3 wickets for 32 runs.
- Roston Chase impressed with 3 for 26.
- Mitchell Santner top-scored with 55 not out.
At one point, New Zealand were reduced to 107-9, needing 56 runs from the final 18 balls. Santner’s late surge of 36 runs off two overs kept the game alive, but Romario Shepherd held his nerve in the final over to secure the win for the visitors.
Result
West Indies won by 7 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the T20I series.
Author’s Summary
West Indies edged New Zealand by seven runs in a tense opening T20I at Eden Park, with Hope and Powell leading the charge and Santner’s late fight falling short.