West Indies vs New Zealand T20 Highlights: WI Win Thriller in Auckland
West Indies vs New Zealand T20 Highlights – West Indies pulled off a thrilling win to go 1-0 up in the five-match series at Eden Park, Auckland. Despite a late charge by Mitchell Santner, the Caribbean side held their nerve to secure a dramatic seven-run victory.
Hope and Chase Lead West Indies to Victory
West Indies posted 164 for 6, led by Shai Hope’s 53 off 39 balls and Roston Chase’s all-round brilliance. Chase, who was later named Player of the Match, took 3 for 26 with the ball, helping West Indies defend the lowest total ever successfully defended at Eden Park in a T20I.
New Zealand managed 157 for 9, with Mitchell Santner’s unbeaten 55 off 28 balls nearly snatching victory for the hosts. But Romario Shepherd bowled a composed final over to seal the win for West Indies.
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Matthew Forde’s Comeback Sparks Early Collapse
Returning from a shoulder injury, Matthew Forde made an instant impact. The pacer bowled superbly with the new ball, troubling the New Zealand top order with swing and pace. He dismissed Devon Conway with a stunning inswinger that hit the top of off stump.
Forde finished his first three overs conceding just nine runs, including 14 dot balls, before Santner’s late onslaught cost him 23 runs in his final over. Despite that, Forde’s early breakthrough laid the platform for West Indies’ defense.
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Santner’s Late Fireworks Fall Short
Mitchell Santner nearly pulled off a miraculous win for New Zealand. When New Zealand collapsed from 70 for 2 to 107 for 9, the match seemed over. But Santner’s explosive knock of 55 not out from 28 balls, featuring seven boundaries and one six, reignited hopes for a comeback.
New Zealand needed 20 runs off the final over. Santner smashed a six off the third ball, but Romario Shepherd kept his cool, guiding West Indies to victory despite a record 10th-wicket stand by the Kiwis.
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Shai Hope’s Calm Fifty Anchors Innings
After early setbacks at 43 for 3, captain Shai Hope steadied the innings with a composed half-century. He scored only 11 runs from his first 17 balls but accelerated after the powerplay, attacking Jimmy Neesham and Zakary Foulkes.
Hope reached his fifty in style with a six over long-off before falling to Foulkes’ clever variation on the next ball. His innings ensured that West Indies reached a defendable total on a pitch offering bounce and pace.
Shai Hope West Indies vs New Zealand T20 highlights half century Eden Park
Roston Chase’s All-Round Brilliance
Roston Chase showcased his value once again, contributing with both bat and ball. After steadying the innings with key partnerships, he turned the game in West Indies’ favor with a masterful spell of spin bowling. His figures of 3 for 26 broke New Zealand’s middle order resistance.
Alt text: Roston Chase West Indies vs New Zealand T20 highlights bowling Eden Park
Chase’s control and variations made scoring difficult on the small Auckland ground. His performance will be vital as both teams gear up for the T20 World Cup 2025, just months away.
New Zealand’s Bowling Attack Impresses Despite Defeat
Despite the loss, New Zealand’s bowlers showed promise. Jacob Duffy led from the front, taking 2 for 19 and removing Brandon King in the opening over. His mix of full and short deliveries kept the West Indies top order in check.
Kyle Jamieson made a strong return from injury, while Zakary Foulkes claimed two wickets but was inconsistent at the death. New Zealand’s depth in fast bowling remains their strength as they prepare for the global tournament.
Jacob Duffy West Indies vs New Zealand T20 highlights wicket celebration
Series Context and What’s Next
This victory gives West Indies a 1-0 lead in the five-match T20 series. Both teams see this series as crucial preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2025.
Fans can expect more intense contests as New Zealand aim to bounce back in the next match. For detailed match previews and player insights, check the PukkarPakistan Sports Section.
West Indies vs New Zealand T20 highlights team celebration after victory
The first T20 at Eden Park delivered a perfect mix of drama and skill. West Indies vs New Zealand T20 Highlights showcased the Caribbean team’s resilience under pressure and Santner’s breathtaking counterattack.
As both teams build toward the T20 World Cup, fans can follow every update, score, and story in the PukkarPakistan Sports Section.
