New Zealand’s hosts edged the West Indies by just three runs in the second T20I of their five‑match series, leveling the series at 1‑1. The match finished at Eden Park on Wednesday, with New Zealand batting first and putting on 207‑5 in 20 overs.
New Zealand’s chase opened strong, thanks to Mark Chapman’s 78 from 28 balls that set the tone early. He was followed by solid contributions from Tim Robinson and Devon Conway, who powered a 55‑run partnership before the West Indies bowlers turned the tables. Reuters shows that Rachin Ravindra could not find his form, but Daryl Mitchell and Mitchell Santner steadied the innings in the final overs.
West Indies’ chase hit a rough start when John Duffy bowled nine dot balls, and early wickets left the target daunting. Captain Mitchell Santner and Ish Sodhi took wickets and created pressure. Shai Hope struggled, and Roston Chase was out at 93, sparking doubts over whether the West Indies could hit 208.
The West Indies pulled back with a fierce partnership between Rovman Powell and Romario Shepherd. Powell thundered 45 off 16 balls, powered by six sixes and a four. Shepherd hit 34, shielded by four sixes and a four. The pair then pulled the score back into reach as their runs shrank the margin dramatically.
The final over of the chase was a thriller. New Zealand’s Kyle Jamieson delivered a composed end to the game. After a mix of slower deliveries, he managed to bring the score to just three runs behind with two balls left. The last ball saw the West Indies needing a single to tie the game. A six would have sealed victory, while a four would have drawn the match, but the ball fell short and New Zealand held on.
Key moments:
– New Zealand 207‑5: Chapman 78, Robinson 39.
– West Indies 204‑8: Powell 45, Shepherd 34.
Through the heat‑of‑action finish, foot traffic surged at Eden Park, with fans holding their breath on the final play. The tie in the series sends both teams back to their sights for the next two games, where each side will try to gain a decisive advantage.
Source: ianslive
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