In a thrilling encounter, the West Indies claimed a seven-run win over New Zealand to go 1–0 up in the five-match series at Eden Park in Auckland. New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner’s blistering innings of 55 went in vain as Romario Shepherd defended 19 runs in the final over.
New Zealand won the toss and opted to field first. The West Indies had a poor start, as their run rate in the initial overs was slow, and when they lost their third wicket – Ackeem Auguste – at the end of the seventh over, their score was 43. After that, captain Shai Hope and Roston Chase stitched together a partnership of 54 runs off 33 balls. Chase then added another 49 runs with Rovman Powell. These two partnerships were instrumental in taking the West Indies’ innings to 164 for 6 at the end of 20 overs.
Hope was the leading run-scorer with 53 off 39 balls, including four fours and three sixes, at a strike rate of 135.90. For New Zealand, Jacob Duffy and Zakary Foulkes took two wickets each.
In reply, New Zealand’s top order failed to make any significant contribution, losing wickets at regular intervals. Santner put up a late fight with his unbeaten half-century, but it was not enough. For the West Indies, Chase and Jayden Seales took three wickets apiece. Chase was named player of the match.
For the latest sports news follow- Revsportz