AUCKLAND, New Zealand — The West Indies’ brave fightback fell heartbreakingly short as New Zealand held their nerve to claim a three-run victory in a high-octane second T20 International at Eden Park on Thursday, leveling the five-match series at 1-1.
Player of the Match Mark Chapman blazed a spectacular 78 off just 28 deliveries, propelling the hosts to 207 for five after being sent in to bat. Despite a furious late surge from Rovman Powell, Romario Shepherd, and Matthew Forde, the Caribbean side’s pursuit ended in despair at 204 for eight after a record-breaking finish.
Chapman’s carnage ignites Eden Park
After openers Tim Robinson (39) and Devon Conway (16) launched the innings with a solid 55-run stand, the visitors clawed their way back through Forde and Shepherd, who struck in quick succession to remove both openers within four runs.
But once Chapman arrived, the tone of the match changed dramatically. Starting cautiously with 12 from his first 10 deliveries, the left-hander exploded in the 13th over — hammering Shepherd for three sixes and a four in consecutive balls.
He continued his assault by taking 23 off Jayden Seales in the 15th over, racing to a half-century from just 19 balls. His 78 included seven sixes and six fours, a breathtaking display of controlled aggression that set the stage for a daunting total.
Daryl Mitchell added an unbeaten 28 from 14 balls, while skipper Mitchell Santner (18 off 8) provided late fireworks as New Zealand finished strongly at 207 for five.
Early blows leave Windies reeling
The West Indies chase began in disarray as Brandon King’s torrid run continued — edging Jacob Duffy’s third delivery behind without scoring. Alick Athanaze (33) and Shai Hope (24) briefly steadied the innings, sharing 49 for the second wicket, but their cautious approach left the required run rate soaring past 10 runs per over.
Ish Sodhi then turned the screws with two vital strikes. Athanaze’s attempted reverse sweep found short third man, and debutant Ackeem Auguste fell to a diving catch by Chapman for seven. Santner compounded the damage by removing Hope and Roston Chase (6), while Sodhi deceived Jason Holder (13) with a trademark googly.
At 93 for six in the 13th over, the contest seemed decided — until Powell and Shepherd launched one of the most ferocious counterattacks in recent T20 history.
Powell, Shepherd, and Forde light up Eden Park
With the asking rate nearing 18 per over, Rovman Powell and Romario Shepherd swung freely and without fear, pummeling Zak Foulkes for 24 runs in the 16th over. Powell’s power-hitting and Shepherd’s clean striking reignited the chase, adding 62 runs in just four overs.
After striking Santner for two towering sixes in the 17th, Shepherd holed out to Michael Bracewell at long-on for 34 off 16 balls. Yet the drama was far from over.
Enter Matthew Forde, whose composure belied his inexperience. Together with Powell, he carved 47 runs in under three overs, including three sixes off Kyle Jamieson in the 18th that brought the target tantalizingly close.
Agony at the finish
Needing 16 from the final over, the West Indies were suddenly favorites. Powell began by blasting Duffy for a six and a four, leaving just six required from the last three balls. But cricket’s cruel twists resurfaced — Powell’s big heave caught the outside edge and looped tamely to Chapman at short third man, ending his explosive 45 off 16 balls, studded with six sixes and a four.
Akeal Hosein and Forde could only manage singles off the final deliveries, leaving the Windies stranded three runs short.
For New Zealand, Santner (3-31) and Sodhi (3-39) were the chief architects with the ball, holding their nerve under immense pressure.
A series on a knife’s edge
While the loss was painful for the West Indies, their extraordinary late assault — highlighted by 87 runs in the final five overs, the most ever by a Full Member side in a T20I chase — showcased the depth and explosiveness of their line-up.
The series now shifts to Saxton Oval in Nelson for Saturday’s third T20I, where both teams will be desperate to seize momentum in what has become a fiercely contested duel.
