WI vs NZ (5th T20I) – Highlights
In a pulsating conclusion to the West Indies tour of NZ, the Black Caps wrapped up the series with a commanding eight-wicket victory in the fifth T20I at Dunedin. Chasing a modest total of 141 set by the WI, New Zealand made light work of the target, finishing at 141 for 2 in just 15.4 overs, leaving 26 balls to spare. The match, while not high-scoring, was an intriguing contest that showcased the potency of New Zealand’s batting depth and the struggle of the West Indies to maintain momentum after a blistering but ultimately inconsistent innings.
The WI innings got off to a shaky start, losing early wickets in a flurry. Shai Hope, the captain, tried to anchor the innings with a quickfire 11 off five balls, but the top order collapsed under disciplined New Zealand bowling. Alick Athanaze and Ackeem Auguste failed to make any significant impact, departing cheaply within the first three overs. Roston Chase provided a glimmer of hope with a measured 38 off 32 deliveries, blending patience with occasional aggression, but wickets kept tumbling around him.
Romario Shepherd was the standout performer with the bat, scoring a rapid 36 off 22 balls, peppered with three sixes, injecting some late impetus into the West Indies innings. Jason Holder contributed a steady 20 from 19 balls, but the lack of partnerships ultimately curtailed the Caribbean side’s momentum. Shamar Springer and Matthew Forde made minor contributions down the order, but the total of 140 in 18.4 overs proved below par against a strong New Zealand batting lineup. The West Indies bowlers were also under pressure as the Black Caps’ hitters looked to dominate from the start.
NZ’s chase was anchored by an aggressive start from Tim Robinson, who smashed 45 off just 24 deliveries, setting the tone for the innings. Devon Conway, playing with his trademark composure, remained unbeaten on 47 from 42 balls, providing stability in the middle while keeping the scoreboard ticking. Rachin Ravindra’s 21 off 16 deliveries and Mark Chapman’s quickfire 21 not out ensured that New Zealand reached the target comfortably. The chase was wrapped up with plenty of overs to spare, reflecting both the efficiency of the batting lineup and the inability of the West Indies bowlers to take early breakthroughs at key moments.
Jacob Duffy was the pick of the bowlers for New Zealand during the West Indies innings, picking up four wickets, while Kyle Jamieson, James Neesham, Ish Sodhi, Michael Bracewell, and Mitchell Santner shared the remaining wickets. For the West Indies, Romario Shepherd and Shamar Springer managed to make some inroads, but the lack of sustained pressure allowed New Zealand’s top order to settle in quickly.
Overall, New Zealand’s victory in the final T20I showcased a clinical performance with the bat and a disciplined bowling effort. It also underlined the challenges the West Indies face in closing out matches despite individual brilliance. The series concluded on a high note for the Black Caps, who demonstrated depth, composure, and the ability to chase targets efficiently in T20 cricket.
West Indies vs New Zealand Scoreboard
West Indies – 140/10 (18.4)
New Zealand – 141/2 (15.4)
Result – New Zealand won by 8 wickets (with 26 balls remaining)
Player of the Match – Jacob Duffy
Jacob Duffy
WI vs NZ Playing XIs
West Indies | Shai Hope (c), Alick Athanaze, Ackeem Auguste, Roston Chase, Sherfane Rutherford, Rovman Powell, Jason Holder, Romario Shepherd, Matthew Forde, Shamar Springer, Jayden Seales. |
New Zealand | Devon Conway †, Tim Robinson, Rachin Ravindra, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner (c), Kyle Jamieson, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy. |
Disclaimer: The following match highlights are based on the author’s personal insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider these perspectives and form their own conclusions.
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