Auckland, Nov 6 (UNI) New Zealand held their nerve to register a thrilling 3-run win over West Indies in the second T20I at Eden Park here on Thursday.
Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, West Indies came close but could not overhaul the 208-run target set by the hosts.
New Zealand’s innings was defined by explosive batting from Mark Chapman, who blasted 78 off 28 balls, including seven sixes and six fours, supported by Daryl Mitchell (28 not out) and skipper Mitchell Santner (18 not out).
Chapman’s assault featured an extraordinary sequence of hits between overs 12 and 16, including multiple sixes off Roston Chase, Romario Shepherd, and Akeal Hosein.
Mitchell also played a key role, striking crucial boundaries in the death overs, and Santner finished with a six off Jayden Seales in the final over to help New Zealand reach 207 for 5.
West Indies fought back with Rovman Powell’s 45 off 16 balls and Romario Shepherd’s 34 from 16 deliveries, while Matthew Forde (29 not out) and Alick Athanaze (33) contributed quick runs.
However, the visitors fell agonizingly short at 204 for 8 in 20 overs. Ish Sodhi and Mitchell Santner were the pick of the bowlers, claiming three wickets each, while Jacob Duffy and Kyle Jamieson chipped in with crucial breakthroughs.
The match featured a series of remarkable fielding efforts, including acrobatic stops by Rovman Powell and excellent catching from Shai Hope and Matthew Forde, but New Zealand’s late hitting ensured the home side edged out the visitors.
