West Indies's Roston Chase celebrates after taking the wicket of New Zealand's James Neesham during the first T20 international match at Eden Park in Auckland on Wednesday. — AFP AUCKLAND, Nov 05 (AFP): A brilliant bowling performance secured the West Indies an unlikely seven-run victory in the first T20 against New Zealand on Wednesday, despite a stunning solo effort from Mitchell Santner.
The West Indies, who landed in New Zealand only two days ago, struggled on the Eden Park drop-in wicket that offered some seam and turn to the home bowlers, making 164-6 from their 20 overs.
The visitors then delivered a precise bowling performance to restrict the Black Caps, who needed a brilliant 28-ball 55 from captain Santner to keep the game interesting.
Santner won the toss and elected to field at an initially sun-filled Eden Park.
The Black Caps struck twice in the powerplay, Brandon King and Alick Athanaze falling to Jacob Duffy and Kyle Jamieson respectively to leave West Indies 32-2 after six overs.
Captain Shai Hope looked to anchor the innings for the visitors, cautiously approaching his opening overs before ramping up the risk as he attacked the straight boundaries.
The West Indies were 66-3 halfway through their innings, but then plundered 34 runs in the next three overs as Hope brought up a 38-ball 50.
© 2025 - All Rights with The Financial Express
