New Zealand won by 5 wickets against West Indies! New Zealand secure a thrilling 5-wicket victory over West Indies in the 2nd ODI. Read the match report, key moments, and how the Blackcaps clinched the series 2-0 in Napier.
West Indies Batting (Total: 247/9 in 34 Overs)
| Player Name | Runs (R) | Balls (B) |
| John Campbell | 4 | 17 |
| Ackeem Auguste | 22 | 31 |
| Keacy Carty | 7 | 12 |
| Shai Hope (c) (wk) | 109 | 69 |
| Sherfane Rutherford | 13 | 9 |
| Roston Chase | 2 | 5 |
| Justin Greaves | 22 | 27 |
| Romario Shepherd | 22 | 14 |
| Matthew Forde | 21 | 11 |
| Shamar Springer | 6 | 9 |
| Jayden Seales | 1* | 1 |
New Zealand Batting (Target: 248) (Total: 248/5 in 33.3 Overs)
| Player Name | Runs (R) | Balls (B) |
| Devon Conway | 54 | 55 |
| Rachin Ravindra | 56 | 46 |
| Will Young | 54 | 56 |
| Mark Chapman | 2 | 4 |
| Tom Latham (wk) | 39* | 29 |
| Mitchell Santner (c) | 34* | 15 |
| Michael Bracewell | DNB | DNB |
🇳🇿 Blackcaps Clinch Series in Napier Thriller After Hope’s Heroics
New Zealand defeated the West Indies by five wickets in a high-octane, rain-affected second ODI at McLean Park, Napier, to secure an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. The victory was a testament to the Blackcaps’ chasing prowess, expertly guided by half-centuries from the top order and a crucial, quick-fire finish from captain Mitchell Santner.
Persistent rain reduced the game to a 34-over-per-side contest, setting the stage for an explosive encounter. West Indies, after being asked to bat first, posted a challenging total of 247 for 9. This score was built almost entirely around one sensational innings: a blistering century by skipper Shai Hope.
The Hope Show: A West Indies Masterclass
The West Indies innings had a shaky start against the probing New Zealand seam attack, led by Matt Henry and Kyle Jamieson. Openers John Campbell and Ackeem Auguste fell cheaply, and when Keacy Carty followed, the visitors were reeling at 53 for 3. However, this brought Shai Hope to the crease, and he delivered a captain’s knock of the highest calibre.
Hope showed remarkable control and aggression, manipulating the field with ease. He punished anything loose and accelerated brilliantly as the innings progressed, ultimately scoring a magnificent 109 not out off just 69 balls. This extraordinary knock, which included a flurry of boundaries and sixes in the final overs, single-handedly lifted the West Indies from a middling total to a formidable one. Hope found limited support from the lower middle-order, though useful cameos from Sherfane Rutherford and Matthew Forde ensured the scoreboard kept ticking alongside the skipper’s fireworks.
New Zealand’s bowlers, despite a disciplined start, struggled to contain the onslaught once Hope got going. Blair Tickner, Matt Henry, and Kyle Jamieson shared the wickets, but the final powerplay saw the Blackcaps leak crucial runs, a development that made their chase even more daunting.
A Calculated Chase and Santner’s Explosive Finish
Chasing a revised target of 248 runs in only 34 overs, New Zealand needed to maintain a high run rate from the outset. The opening partnership of Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra provided the perfect foundation. Both left-handers played with intent, blending stylish stroke-play with quick running between the wickets. Conway scored a fluent 54 (55 balls), while Ravindra matched him with 56 (46 balls), continuing his excellent run of form. Their 106-run stand set the tone for the chase, keeping the required rate well within reach.
The West Indies finally broke through in the middle overs, with Justin Greaves and Shamar Springer claiming key wickets to briefly apply pressure. The loss of Ravindra, followed by Conway, and then Will Young’s solid 54 (56 balls) meant the responsibility fell to the experienced pair of Tom Latham and captain Mitchell Santner.
With the required rate climbing and the tension palpable, it was Santner who delivered the decisive blow. Displaying his burgeoning reputation as a dangerous finisher, Santner launched a stunning counter-attack. Alongside the composed Latham, he took the game away from the visitors in a matter of a few overs. Santner smashed a whirlwind 34 not out off just 15 balls, an innings peppered with powerful boundaries and crucial sixes.
The pivotal moment came in the final over, bowled by Jayden Seales, with New Zealand needing 8 runs for victory. After a couple of tight deliveries, a high full toss was called a no-ball and dispatched for four by Latham, levelling the scores and giving New Zealand a free hit. Although the free hit only resulted in a single, Santner completed the formalities on the very next ball, securing the five-wicket victory with three balls to spare.
New Zealand won by 5 wickets against West Indies
The result seals the ODI series for New Zealand, confirming their strong home record in the 50-over format. While Shai Hope’s century was arguably the individual performance of the match, it was New Zealand’s depth and clinical chasing effort, highlighted by Santner’s late heroics, that proved the difference in a fascinating and rain-curtailed contest.
