New Zealand outclassed West Indies by eight wickets in the fifth T20I of the five-match series at the University Oval in Dunedin. A fiery spell from Jacob Duffy (4/35 in 4 overs) gave West Indies early blows. With blazing knocks from Roston Chase and Romario Shepherd, West Indies managed to post 140 runs before being bowled out in 18.4 overs.
While chasing, Tim Robinson and Devon Conway made batting look easy as New Zealand cruised to the target with 26 balls to spare. Devon Conway (47)* was the top scorer for New Zealand, while Tim Robinson smashed a quick 45 off 24 balls.
With this victory, New Zealand sealed the series 3-1.
Early Collapse for West Indies
Put in to bat, West Indies were bowled out for 140 runs. They lost four wickets in just 11 balls during the powerplay. Their plan to attack during field restrictions backfired on a lively pitch with grass and movement.
Duffy took full advantage, striking three times in his third over. He removed Shai Hope with a top edge, bowled Ackeem Auguste with a late-moving delivery, and had Sherfane Rutherford caught behind.
With these wickets, Duffy reached 50 T20I wickets in his 38th match, becoming the third-fastest New Zealand bowler to achieve the milestone after Trent Boult (36) and Lockie Ferguson (37).
His impressive record now includes a strike rate of 13.8, the best among New Zealand bowlers with at least 20 T20I wickets, and a bowling average of 17.05, the second-best in that group.
West Indies Struggle Despite Late Effort
West Indies have a long batting lineup and have scored heavily in lower-order partnerships before. However, at 47 for 4, their innings was already in trouble.
Captain Rovman Powell, who had almost pulled off a remarkable chase in the previous game, fell in the seventh over, ending hopes of a big recovery. Roston Chase and Jason Holder tried to steady the innings, adding 42 runs off 34 balls, but both fell within five deliveries of each other. Soon after, Matthew Forde departed, leaving the team reeling at 94 for 8 in the 14th over.
Despite brief resistance, the West Indies innings collapsed. Their effort to stop the slide on the reclaimed land of Pelichet Bay only led to deeper trouble, as they were bowled out before completing their 20 overs.
Robinson Leads New Zealand’s Chase
New Zealand also faced some movement early in their chase, but the modest target and small boundaries reduced any real risk. Tim Robinson played aggressively, reminding fans of Brendon McCullum with his wristy shots and fearless hitting.
He smashed 45 runs off 24 balls, hitting five fours and three sixes. The standout moment came from Romario Shepherd, who struck a massive six over long-on that cleared the stands and nearly reached the old Dunedin art gallery.
Devon Conway played a composed innings, bringing up 1,000 T20I runs at home, and guided New Zealand to victory with 26 balls remaining.
Brief Scorecard
With this eight-wicket triumph, New Zealand completed a 3-1 series win over West Indies. Duffy’s superb bowling and Robinson’s attacking knock made the difference in a game dominated by the home side. Duffy delivered a brilliant spell of 4 for 35, leading New Zealand to another convincing victory.
West Indies played well, losing two out of three matches by less than 10 runs, which showed their potential. Romario Shepherd impressed the most with the bat. New Zealand, on the other hand, succeeded in asserting their dominance in home conditions. Stay tuned with JUSZNEWS for regular updates!