The first T20 International West Indies vs New Zealand at Eden Park, Auckland, delivered a thrilling contest that went right down to the final ball. The Caribbean side held their nerves in the closing stages to secure a narrow 7-run victory, taking a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.
New Zealand won the toss and Opted to bowl first, West Indies innings started with shaky notes, when Brendon king dismissed on 3 by Jacob Duffy while Alick Athanaze looked good but managed 16 off 9 deliveries and Ackeem Auguste fell on 2 leaving West Indies on 43/3 in 6.6 overs.
However shai Hope and Roston chase put together 54 run stand provide resistance, Shai Hope anchored the innings beautifully with a composed 53 off 39 balls featuring four boundaries and three sixes while Roston chase steady innings of 28 off 27 balls. Rovman Powell provide late firework of 33 off 23, Romario shepherd unbeaten on 9 and Jason on 5. West Indies managed 164/6 in 20 overs.
Jacob Duffy is stand out bowler for New Zealand took 2/19 in 4 overs also Zakary Foulkes get 2 wickets and James Neesham and Kyle Jamieson chipped with one wicket each.
Chasing 165 , New Zealand Openers gave brisk Start , but Devon Conway departed on 13 while Tim Robinson looked good Played steady innings of 27 runs off 21 balls and Rachin Ravindra managed only 21 . Meanwhile Newzealand middle order looked flatered New Zealand losse 4 wickets in 18 runs West Indies back in the context .
However, Then came a stunning counterattack from Mitchell Santner, who almost pulled off a miracle. The Kiwi captain played a sensational unbeaten knock of 55 off just 28 balls, including 8 boundaries and 2 sixes, but fell short by 7 runs.
For West Indies Roston chase and Jayden Seales stand out bowler took two wickets each while Matthew Forde , Romario shepherd and Akeal Hosein chipped with one wicket each.
New Zealand vs West Indies match summary
Toss: New Zealand won the toss and Opted to bowl first
West Indies innings: 164/6 in 20 overs
Top performer: Shai Hope 53 off 39 deliveries, Jacob Duffy 2/19 in 4 overs
New Zealand innings: 157/9 in 20 overs
Top performer: Mitchell Santner 55 off 28 balls, Roston chase 3/26 in 4 overs
Result: West Indies won by 7 runs take 1-0 lead in five matches series
Player of the match: Roston chase 26/3 and 28 runs