Black Caps Even T20 Series with Nervy Finish
Kyle Jamieson kept his composure in the final over to secure a thrilling three-run victory for New Zealand, leveling the Twenty20 series against the West Indies at 1-1. The match at Eden Park was the highest-scoring T20 contest between the two sides.
Tense Final Moments
Chasing 208 runs, the West Indies required six runs from the last three balls. Jamieson's steady bowling held them back, sealing the win for the Black Caps despite a late surge in the innings.
Match Highlights
- New Zealand initially dominated thanks to Mark Chapman’s explosive 78 off 28 balls.
- Chapman also contributed in the field with three catches, including an impressive diving catch, earning him the man-of-the-match award.
- After 13 overs, the West Indies were struggling at 94 for six due to effective New Zealand bowling.
- The West Indies staged a remarkable comeback, scoring 87 runs in the final five overs — a record for a T20 international chase.
- Rovman Powell led the charge with 45 runs from 16 balls, hitting six sixes before getting out with two balls left.
New Zealand’s Bowling Impact
The Black Caps’ slow but steady start saw Tim Robinson and Devon Conway put on 45 runs in the first five overs. The decision to bowl Matthew Forde out was pivotal, as he dismissed Conway (16 from 24 balls), halting the West Indies’ momentum early on.
"Kyle Jamieson held his nerve in the final over to level the T20 series 1-1."
"The West Indies scored 87 off the final five overs - the most in a T20 international in a chase."
Author's summary: New Zealand edged a thrilling T20 clash at Eden Park, with Jamieson’s calm bowling under pressure and Chapman’s explosive batting ensuring the series is locked at 1-1.