West Indies narrowly edged past New Zealand by 7 runs in the first T20I of the five-match series at Eden Park, Auckland. The visitors posted 164/6 in 20 overs, powered by a blazing half-century from Shai Hope. Rovman Powell and Roston Chase also made valuable contributions, helping West Indies cross the 150-run mark. Jacob Duffy (2/19 in 4 overs) was the most effective bowler for New Zealand, while Zakary Foulkes also claimed two wickets.

While chasing, Roston Chase (3/26 in 4 overs) and Jayden Seales (3/32 in 4 overs) wreaked havoc on New Zealand and destroyed the middle order. New Zealand collapsed from 70/2 to 107/9 after a steady start from Tim Robinson and Devon Conway. Mitchell Santner, who came in at No. 8, almost turned the game around with a brilliant unbeaten 55 off 28 balls. However, Romario Shepherd held his nerve in the final over to seal the win.

West Indies successfully defended the lowest total ever at the venue, showing composure despite Santner’s late assault. With this victory, the visitors took a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.

Forde’s Return Ignites West Indies

Fast bowler Matthew Forde made a strong comeback after a shoulder injury. Playing his first match since July, he bowled with pace and swing, troubling New Zealand’s top order early.

Forde clean-bowled Devon Conway with a superb inswinger that clipped the top of off stump. He finished the powerplay with 1 for 9 from three overs, including 14 dot balls.

However, his figures suffered when Santner smashed 23 runs off his 18th over. Still, Forde’s early burst set the tone for the West Indies defense.

Chase Stars with Ball and Bat

All-rounder Roston Chase delivered a match-winning performance. He picked up 3 for 26 with his off-spin on a ground known for its short boundaries. Chase also contributed valuable runs in the middle order, helping West Indies recover from a shaky start.

His tight bowling in the middle overs stalled New Zealand’s momentum after a quick beginning. Chase’s all-round show earned him the Player of the Match award.

Hope Anchors the Innings After Slow Start

Captain Shai Hope led from the front with a patient 53 off 39 balls. After losing three early wickets, West Indies were reeling at 43 for 3. Hope steadied the innings, finding rhythm after a cautious start.

He struggled to time the ball early, scoring just 11 from 17 deliveries in the powerplay. But once he attacked Jimmy Neesham in the seventh over, his tempo improved. Hope brought up his half-century with a six over long-off before falling to Zakary Foulkes on the next ball.

Later, Rovman Powell added late fireworks, hitting two huge sixes after being dropped twice by Michael Bracewell.

Santner’s Stunning Fightback Falls Short

New Zealand collapsed from 70 for 2 to 107 for 9, losing seven wickets for 37 runs. But Mitchell Santner produced a stunning counterattack.

He smashed seven fours and one six in a nine-ball burst that gave New Zealand hope of a miracle. The sparse Eden Park crowd came alive as Santner narrowed the target.

With 20 runs needed off the last over, Shepherd held his nerve. Santner hit a six but couldn’t complete the chase. Despite his efforts, New Zealand fell short, ending with a record tenth-wicket stand in T20Is for their side.

Duffy Shines in New Zealand’s Bowling Effort

Seamer Jacob Duffy impressed with a sharp spell that kept West Indies in check. He dismissed Brandon King in the first over and later bowled Roston Chase with a perfect yorker.

Duffy finished with 1 for 17 in four overs, conceding only one boundary. Kyle Jamieson also bowled well on return from injury, while Foulkes had mixed success but took two wickets.

Despite a disciplined attack, New Zealand couldn’t finish the job after their batting collapse.