Black Caps Secure Thrilling Victory to Level T20 Series
Kyle Jamieson maintained his composure in the final over to draw the Twenty20 series with a narrow three-run win at Eden Park. The Black Caps avoided a late collapse and leveled the series at 1-1 in an intense, high-scoring match.
Match Highlights
Chasing a target of 208, the West Indies required six runs from the last three balls. Jamieson's calm bowling sealed the win for New Zealand. Despite a strong start by the Black Caps, led by Mark Chapman’s explosive 78-run effort, the West Indies staged a remarkable fightback.
- Mark Chapman’s quick 78 from 28 balls powered New Zealand to 207 for five.
- Chapman also excelled in the field with three catches, including a spectacular diving grab.
- The West Indies, struggling at 94 for six after 13 overs, surged with 87 runs in their final five overs—the highest in a T20 chase between these two teams.
- Rovman Powell’s aggressive innings of 45 from 16 balls featured six sixes and nearly clinched victory for the visitors before his dismissal with two balls to spare.
Bowling Impact and Partnerships
The Black Caps initially controlled the match with disciplined bowling. Tim Robinson and Devon Conway contributed 45 runs in the first five overs, but the breakthrough came when Matthew Forde of the West Indies dismissed Conway, disrupting New Zealand’s momentum.
"Kyle Jamieson held his nerve in the final over to level the T20 series 1-1."
"Rovman Powell (45 from 16) almost saw the visitors home with six sixes before he fell with two balls remaining."
The thrilling encounter showcased resilience from both sides, finishing as the highest-scoring T20 between these nations.
Author's summary: The Black Caps edged out a pulsating T20 clash through Kyle Jamieson’s steady bowling, overcoming a fierce West Indies comeback to even the series 1-1.