Dramatic Collapse Costs New Zealand as Windies Claim Seven-Run Victory

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND — The West Indies secured a narrow seven-run victory over New Zealand in the first game of the five-match Twenty20 International (T20I) series on Wednesday, successfully defending a moderate total thanks to superb bowling under pressure.

West Indies captain Shai Hope led the batting effort, top-scoring with a patient 53 off 39 balls as the visitors posted 164 for 6 after losing the toss and batting first on an unpredictable, two-paced pitch at Eden Park.

Black Caps' Middle Order Collapses

New Zealand's chase started promisingly, reaching 70 for 2 in the 10th over. However, the Black Caps then suffered a dramatic collapse, losing seven wickets for just 37 runs to slump to 107 for 9 by the 17th over, seemingly putting the result beyond doubt.

Santner's Late Heroics Fall Short

The match was reignited by an outstanding display of power hitting from New Zealand captain Mitch Santner. Santner slammed 55 from only 28 balls, providing a thrilling late surge that revived home hopes.

He targeted Matthew Forde, hitting four fours and a six in the 18th over, then smashed three more fours off the first three balls of Jason Holder's 19th over. New Zealand needed 20 runs from the final over.

Santner kept the fight alive, hitting a six off the third ball from Romario Shepherd, but could only manage two runs from the next two deliveries before hitting a boundary on the final ball, leaving the Black Caps just short at the close.

"I think the way the West Indies bowled in the middle there, they really put pressure on us,” Santner acknowledged after the match. "I guess we weren't really able to go anywhere. We were reasonably happy with 164 at the turns but it was one of those nights I guess."

Slow Pitch Challenges Batters

The pitch, originally prepared for a rained-out T20 against England, lacked Eden Park's usual pace and bounce, making batting difficult when the ball was hit into the surface.

For the West Indies, Hope's half-century was key. After the loss of Brandon King (3) and Alick Athanaze (16), Hope anchored the innings. He reached his ninth T20 fifty with a six before being clean bowled the very next delivery by Zak Foulkes. Roston Chase (28) and Rovman Powell (33 off 23 balls) added 49 for the fifth wicket, helping the West Indies tack on 53 runs in the final five overs.

The disciplined bowling attack was the difference-maker, with Roston Chase delivering four excellent overs of off-spin to claim 3 for 26, and Jayden Seales taking 3 for 32 to seal the visitors' unexpected win.