NZ vs WI Highlights, 1st T20I: West Indies Triumphs Over New Zealand
The first T20 International between New Zealand and West Indies took place at Eden Park in Auckland on November 5. Despite a captain’s knock from Mitchell Santner, the visitors claimed a narrow seven-run victory.
Match Overview
New Zealand won the toss and chose to bowl first in the opening match of the five-game series. The decision set the stage for an entertaining contest marked by competitive bowling and bursts of batting brilliance.
Teams and Key Players
- New Zealand: Tim Robinson, Devon Conway (wk), Rachin Ravindra, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner (c), Zakary Foulkes, Kyle Jamieson, Jacob Duffy.
- West Indies: Shai Hope (wk) (c), Alick Athanaze, Brandon King, Roston Chase, Ackeem Auguste, Rovman Powell, Jason Holder, Romario Shepherd, Matthew Forde, Akeal Hosein, Jayden Seales.
Match Highlights
“West Indies’ Roston Chase celebrates the wicket of New Zealand’s Mark Chapman.” — AFP Photo
Roston Chase’s timely breakthroughs kept the Kiwis under pressure. New Zealand, guided by Santner’s half-century, fought valiantly but ultimately fell short.
Series Context
The series opener marked the beginning of a five-match T20I lineup. New Zealand, coming off two rain-affected home defeats against Australia and England, aimed to bounce back under Santner’s new leadership. Meanwhile, the West Indies, fresh from a 3-0 whitewash of Bangladesh, sought to sustain their momentum in this New Zealand tour, which also includes three ODIs and three Tests.
Author’s Summary
West Indies edged New Zealand in a tense start to the T20I series, holding off Santner’s late heroics to secure victory and maintain their winning form overseas.