Windies Stun New Zealand in T20I Series Opener
The West Indies have made a statement in the opening match of their five-game T20 series against New Zealand, pulling off a surprising seven-run victory at Eden Park. Despite some late fireworks from New Zealand captain Mitch Santner, it was the visitors’ disciplined bowling and timely hitting that secured the win.
Batting first after losing the toss, the West Indies posted a challenging 164 for 6 on a pitch that proved tricky and inconsistent. Captain Shai Hope led the way with a composed 53 from 39 balls, anchoring the innings as the team navigated a surface that offered uneven bounce. Contributions from Roston Chase, who scored 28, and Rovman Powell, who smashed 33 off just 23 deliveries, helped the Windies accelerate in the final overs, adding 53 runs in the last five overs to set a competitive total. Early wickets saw Brandon King depart for just three runs and Alick Athanaze fall for 16, but Hope’s half-century and the late hitting ensured the innings ended on a strong note.
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New Zealand started their chase positively, reaching 2-70 in the 10th over, but the momentum shifted dramatically as the Windies’ bowlers struck in quick succession. From there, the Black Caps lost seven wickets for just 37 runs, collapsing to 9-107 by the 17th over. Chase bowled four tidy overs of off-spin for 3-26, while Jayden Seales claimed 3-32, applying relentless pressure and keeping the scoring in check.
Santner provided some hope for the home side with a blistering 55 off 28 balls. His late assault included four boundaries and a six off Matthew Forde’s 18th over, followed by three more boundaries off Jason Holder in the 19th. Needing 20 from the final over, he managed a six and a boundary but couldn’t find the consistency to take New Zealand across the line. “The way the West Indies bowled in the middle overs really put pressure on us,” Santner admitted, acknowledging how the visitors had taken control of the game.
Coming from their recent series in Bangladesh, the West Indies were expected to struggle on New Zealand’s conditions, where the ball usually swings more and the pitches offer extra bounce. However, the unusual two-paced surface, originally prepared for a rained-out match last month, seemed to favor the visitors. Batters from both sides had to adjust to deliveries that often stayed low and bounced unpredictably, adding an extra challenge.
The series continues with the second T20 scheduled at Eden Park on Thursday, and after this opener, the West Indies will be full of confidence, while New Zealand will need to regroup and tighten their game if they are to bounce back.
This win not only surprises the hosts but also sets the tone for an exciting and unpredictable series ahead.
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