New Zealand vs West Indies, 1st T20I: Match Summary
West Indies defeated New Zealand by seven runs in the first T20I at Eden Park, Auckland, taking a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. This result marked New Zealand’s fourth consecutive T20I loss at the venue, the first such streak since 2016–2018.
West Indies Innings
The visitors had a shaky start as openers Brandon King (3) and Alick Athanaze (16) fell early during the powerplay, with Ackeem Auguste (2) dismissed soon after. Captain Shai Hope (53) and Roston Chase (28) steadied the innings, while Rovman Powell added a swift 33 runs off 23 balls to help set a total of 165.
“Our total was about 20 runs short of par,” said Rovman Powell during the second innings when he was mic’d up on the field.
New Zealand Chase
Chasing 165, New Zealand faltered against disciplined bowling from Jayden Seales (3–32) and Roston Chase (3–26). Only Mitchell Santner held firm with an unbeaten 55 as the rest of the batting lineup collapsed to 107–9. The hosts needed 56 runs from the final three overs, and Santner’s blitz of 36 runs across two overs brought brief hope before Romario Shepherd closed the game for West Indies in the final over.
Key Performers
- Shai Hope – 53 runs
- Roston Chase – 28 runs and 3 wickets for 26
- Rovman Powell – 33 runs off 23 balls
- Jayden Seales – 3 wickets for 32 runs
- Mitchell Santner – 55 not out
Series Outlook
With this win, West Indies lead the five-match T20I series 1–0, leaving New Zealand under pressure to bounce back in the second match.
Author’s summary: West Indies held their nerve in a tense finish at Eden Park to edge out New Zealand by seven runs and claim an early lead in the series.