New Zealand vs West Indies Highlights: 1st T20I
In a gripping series opener at Auckland, New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner struck an unbeaten half-century, but his resilient effort was not enough as the hosts fell short by seven runs against the West Indies.
First Innings: Hope Leads West Indies
After losing the toss, the West Indies opted to bat on a challenging two-paced surface. Captain Shai Hope led from the front with a composed 53 off 39 balls, steering his team to a total of 164 for 6.
“Captain Shai Hope top-scored with 53 from 39 balls as the West Indies made 164-6 after losing the toss and batting first on a pitch that was two-paced and unpredictable.”
Second Innings: Santner’s Heroic Stand
Chasing 165, New Zealand’s top order crumbled to 108 for 9. Santner then anchored a critical 50-run unbeaten partnership with Jacob Duffy, narrowing the deficit but ultimately falling short. The innings closed at 157 for 9, with Santner finishing on 55 not out from 28 balls.
“Skipper Santner shared a 50-run unbeaten stand with Jacob Duffy to drag the hosts closer to the target.”
Team Line-ups
- New Zealand: Tim Robinson, Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner (c), Zakary Foulkes, Kyle Jamieson, Jacob Duffy.
- West Indies: Shai Hope (c), Alick Athanaze, Brandon King, Roston Chase, Ackeem Auguste, Rovman Powell, Jason Holder, Romario Shepherd, Matthew Forde, Akeal Hosein, Jayden Seales.
Series Context
This marked the West Indies’ first T20I victory in regulation time against New Zealand on their home turf, giving them an early lead in the five-match series.
Author’s Summary: Santner’s brilliant unbeaten knock revived New Zealand’s hopes, but the West Indies held firm to secure their first regular-time T20I win in New Zealand and lead the series 1–0.