West Indies secured a thrilling seven-run victory over New Zealand in the first T20I at Eden Park, Auckland, on Wednesday, November 5. This marked the Caribbean team's fifth straight win in T20 cricket, following their recent Bangladesh series whitewash. After being put into bat first, West Indies posted 164/6 in their 20 overs on a challenging two-paced pitch. Shai Hope top-scored with 53 runs off 39 balls, while Rovman Powell's quick-fire 33 provided crucial late momentum. New Zealand's chase collapsed dramatically as they slumped from a promising start to 107/9 in the 17th over. Captain Mitchell Santner played a heroic counter-attacking innings, scoring a 26-ball half-century, but his efforts fell just short. New Zealand finished on 157/9, needing 20 runs from the final over. Roston Chase and Jayden Seales each claimed three wickets for the visitors.
New Zealand's Dramatic Collapse Hands West Indies Victory
Chasing 165, New Zealand openers Tim Robinson and Devon Conway provided a strong start, adding 30 runs in three overs. However, neither could convert their starts into substantial scores. The middle order crumbled spectacularly as the hosts lost seven wickets for just 37 runs, finding themselves at 107/9 in the 17th over. Captain Mitchell Santner launched a stunning counter-attack, smashing boundaries and reaching his half-century off merely 26 balls. The 18th and 19th overs produced 36 runs, leaving New Zealand needing 20 off the final over. Romario Shepherd held his nerve, bowling two consecutive dot balls before Santner managed a six. Despite getting four runs off the last two deliveries, New Zealand fell short at 157/9.
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