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West Indies held their composure in a tense finish to defeat New Zealand by seven runs in the first T20I at Eden Park, Auckland — defending what became the lowest total ever successfully defended at the venue. The visitors were pushed to the brink by a stunning counterattack from Kiwi skipper Mitchell Santner, but ultimately prevailed to take a 1–0 lead in the five-match series.
New Zealand, chasing 165, were restricted to 157 for 9 despite Santner’s blazing 55 not out off just 28 balls. His late onslaught nearly turned the match on its head, but Romario Shepherd delivered a calm final over to deny the hosts a remarkable comeback.
Earlier, Shai Hope anchored the West Indies innings with a composed 53 from 39 balls, helping his side recover from a shaky start to reach 164 for 6. Roston Chase made key contributions with both bat and ball, claiming 3 for 26 and sharing in crucial partnerships that steadied the innings. His all-round performance earned him the Player of the Match award.
Forde fires on return
Making his return from a shoulder injury, pacer Matthew Forde set the tone early with a fiery new-ball spell that dismantled New Zealand’s top order. Bowling with pace and late swing, Forde troubled Devon Conway repeatedly before finally castling him with a perfect inswinger that clipped the top of off stump.
In his first three overs, Forde bowled 14 dot balls and gave away just nine runs — a miserly display that left the hosts reeling. His figures, however, took a hit after Santner launched a counterattack, taking 23 runs off his final over. Despite that, Forde’s early breakthroughs proved decisive in shaping the contest.
Santner’s stunning late assault
New Zealand were cruising at 70 for 2 before collapsing spectacularly to 107 for 9 in the 17th over — losing seven wickets for just 37 runs. With the game seemingly out of reach, Santner ignited the chase with a breathtaking display of clean hitting.
He smashed seven fours and a six in a frantic late surge that energized the sparse Auckland crowd. Entering the final over with 20 runs needed, Santner launched Shepherd for a towering six after two dot balls — one of which could easily have been called a wide — but could not bridge the gap as West Indies held firm.
His effort resulted in New Zealand’s highest-ever tenth-wicket stand in T20 internationals, but it wasn’t enough to rescue the match.
Hope leads Windies revival
After being tested by seam-friendly conditions vastly different from those in Bangladesh, West Indies’ top order crumbled early. Brandon King, Alick Athanaze, and Ackeem Auguste all perished cheaply, leaving the side wobbling at 43 for 3.
Skipper Shai Hope took charge with a measured knock that balanced caution with calculated aggression. Slow to start — scoring only 11 from his first 17 balls — he broke free in the seventh over, attacking Jimmy Neesham to lift the run rate past six an over.
Once settled, Hope found his rhythm, clearing the short boundaries and bringing up his half-century with a lofted six off Zakary Foulkes. However, he fell the very next delivery attempting another big shot. His innings nonetheless laid the foundation for a defendable total.
Rovman Powell provided late impetus with a brisk 33, surviving two dropped chances from Michael Bracewell to add valuable runs that proved vital in the end.
New Zealand’s bowlers impress despite defeat
Despite the loss, New Zealand’s bowling unit delivered a disciplined performance. Jacob Duffy stood out with his control and variety, taking 2 for 19 in four overs, including a pinpoint yorker to dismiss Chase. He removed Brandon King early in a tight powerplay spell that yielded just 10 runs.
Returning seamer Kyle Jamieson looked sharp after recovering from a side strain, while Zakary Foulkes mixed success with inconsistency — conceding runs but also picking up two key wickets.
Even without key pacers Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, and Will O’Rourke, the hosts showcased impressive depth ahead of the T20 World Cup just three months away.
Series significance
For both teams, this series serves as critical preparation for the upcoming global event. West Indies, fresh from a T20I series sweep in Bangladesh, faced the challenge of adapting to New Zealand’s bouncy conditions — and passed their first test with grit and adaptability.
For New Zealand, it was a sobering beginning to the post-Kane Williamson era in T20Is. Santner’s brilliance offered hope, but the top order’s collapse exposed vulnerabilities that will need fixing before the next match.
Match Summary:
West Indies 164/6 (Hope 53, Powell 33, Duffy 2/19)
New Zealand 157/9 (Santner 55, Chase 3/26, Seales 3/32)*
Result: West Indies won by 7 runs.
Player of the Match: Roston Chase (WI)
