New Zealand edged past West Indies by 3 runs in the second T20I of the five-match series at Eden Park, Auckland. After being invited to bat, New Zealand posted 207/5 on the scoreboard, powered by a blazing half-century from Mark Chapman. Roston Chase (2/33 in 4 overs) led the bowling attack, while Matthew Forde (1/17 in 4 overs) impressed with his tight spell.

While chasing, West Indies kept losing wickets and were struggling at 93/6 after 12.5 overs. However, brilliant knocks from Rovman Powell, Romario Shepherd, and Matthew Forde brought them close to victory. New Zealand held their nerves and sealed a narrow 3-run win.

With this victory, the five-match series is now level at 1-1 after two games.

New Zealand’s Strong Batting Comeback

Sent in to bat, New Zealand made the most of batting-friendly conditions. After a slow start, Chapman ignited the innings with a flurry of boundaries and sixes.

Devon Conway and Tim Robinson put on 55 for the first wicket before Robinson departed. At 59 for 2 in the ninth over, Chapman took charge. In the 13th over, he smashed Romario Shepherd for three sixes and raced to a 19-ball half-century — the fastest of his T20I career.

His innings mixed timing and raw power, marking a big return to form after managing only 39 runs in his last four matches. Chapman fell in the 17th over, but Mitchell Santner finished the innings in style with a six, pushing New Zealand past 200.

Forde Impresses Again, Hosein Struggles

West Indies pacer Matthew Forde, returning from a shoulder injury, impressed once again with the new ball. He dismissed Conway with a sharp delivery that nipped back, identical to his wicket in the first match.

Forde bowled his full quota for just 17 runs and one wicket. However, the rest of the attack struggled. Captain Shai Hope delayed bringing on left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein, who bowled only in the 16th over — the latest he had ever bowled in a T20I.

By then, Chapman and Daryl Mitchell were set. They punished Hosein, hitting three sixes in an over that went for 23 runs. Apart from Forde, every other bowler conceded over eight runs per over.

Sodhi Makes a Strong Return

Leg-spinner Ish Sodhi replaced Jimmy Neesham, who was ruled out after a shoulder injury in the warm-up. Sodhi made an immediate impact, striking in his second ball by dismissing Alick Athanaze.

He then removed Ackeem Auguste with the help of a superb diving catch by Chapman. Later, he bowled Jason Holder with a well-disguised googly. Though Powell and Shepherd attacked him later, Sodhi’s early breakthroughs turned the match in New Zealand’s favor.

Powell and Shepherd’s Late Fight in Vain

At 93 for 6, West Indies looked finished. But Powell and Shepherd brought life back to the chase with brutal hitting. They smashed five sixes in just six balls, narrowing the gap. Shepherd’s quickfire 34 off 16 balls gave hope, while Powell kept the chase alive until the final over.

Despite their late surge, the target proved too steep. West Indies fell just three runs short, ending their five-match T20I winning streak.