Meta Description: New Zealand secured a thrilling 3-run victory over West Indies in a high-scoring T20I at Eden Park. Mark Chapman’s explosive 78 propelled NZ, leveling the series 1-1.
New Zealand Edge West Indies in Eden Park Thriller: Chapman’s Blaze Levels T20I Series 1-1
The cricketing world witnessed a true T20 spectacle at Eden Park on Thursday, as New Zealand clinched a nail-biting three-run victory over West Indies. In a high-scoring thriller, the Blackcaps’ power-hitting just edged out a spirited West Indian chase, leveling the five-match T20I series at 1-1.
The match was a feast of boundaries, keeping fans on the edge of their seats until the very last ball.
Mark Chapman’s Explosive Masterclass Sets the Tone
New Zealand’s victory was architected by a sensational display of batting from Mark Chapman. Coming in at a crucial juncture with the score at 81/2 in the 12th over, Chapman unleashed an extraordinary assault on the West Indian bowlers.
He smashed an explosive 78 runs off just 28 balls, a knock that included seven towering sixes and six fours. This incredible acceleration, where he scored 66 runs from his final 19 deliveries, completely shifted the momentum.
Chapman’s heroics propelled the hosts to a formidable total of 207 for 5, with New Zealand piling on 126 runs in the last eight overs.
Valuable Support in the Middle
Daryl Mitchell provided crucial support with a quickfire 28 off 14 balls, while skipper Mitchell Santner chipped in with an aggressive 18 from just 8 deliveries. Their contributions ensured the scoring rate remained high.
For West Indies, Tiaan van Vuuren was the pick of the bowlers with 4/52, and Tshepo Moreki also claimed two wickets for 52 runs.
West Indies’ Valiant Chase Falls Agonizingly Short
In response, the West Indies launched their own relentless boundary barrage. They matched England’s 2023 record against them by smashing 18 sixes – the joint-most by a full-member nation in a T20I chase.
Despite a valiant effort, they were ultimately restricted to 204 for 8, falling just three runs short of the target.
Key Performances in the Chase
Rovman Powell led the charge with a blistering 45 off 16 balls. Romario Shepherd contributed a rapid 34 off 16, and Matthew Forde kept hopes alive with 29 off just 13 deliveries.
The tension culminated on the final ball, with West Indies needing a boundary to tie. However, Forde could only manage a single, sealing New Zealand’s dramatic win.
Spinners Turn the Tide for New Zealand
New Zealand’s spinners proved to be the decisive factor in controlling the West Indian onslaught. Ish Sodhi was exceptional, claiming 3 wickets for 39 runs.
Skipper Mitchell Santner also delivered a match-winning performance with 3 wickets for just 31 runs. Their combined six wickets marked only the second time Kiwi spinners have achieved this feat in a home T20I.
Records Broken in a Close Contest
This thrilling encounter etched several new records into the T20I history books:
- New Zealand’s three-run margin of victory was their joint second-lowest in T20Is, matching their close wins over India and Pakistan.
- It also equaled West Indies’ second-narrowest defeat margin in T20I cricket.
- West Indies recorded the highest ever score (87/2) in overs 16–20 of a T20I chase.
- They also posted their third 200-plus total in a T20I without a single individual fifty-plus score.
Series Decider Awaits in Nelson
With the series now delicately poised at 1-1, both teams will look to gain an advantage in the next fixture. The third T20I between New Zealand and West Indies is scheduled to take place in Nelson on Sunday.
Cricket fans can undoubtedly anticipate another enthralling contest as both sides vie for supremacy in this captivating series.