NZ vs WI: Troika of Seales, Chase, Hope hands West Indies 7-run win over New Zealand in 1st T20I as Santner's late blitz goes in vain

West Indies rode on Jayden Seales, Roston Chase and Shai Hope' heroics to get the better of New Zealand by seven runs in the first T20I of the five-match series, played at Eden Park in Auckland on Wednesday, November 5.

West Indies edge New Zealand by 7 runs in 1st T20I

After being sent in to bat, the visitors posted a competitive total of 164 for six against West Indies in their 20 overs, thanks to Shai Hope's 39-ball 53. New Zealand mounted a late fightback, primarily led by Mitchell Santner, but ultimately fell short of the target. This result extends the West Indies' strong recent record against the Black Caps in the format.

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Shai Hope's fifty guides West Indies to competitive total

West Indies' innings was anchored by a composed half-century from captain Shai Hope. Hope took control early after the quick loss of opener Brandon King in the first over, establishing a crucial partnership with Roston Chase to set the platform for a competitive score. Hope scored 53 runs off 39 balls, featuring four fours and three sixes, before being dismissed by Zakary Foulkes in the 13th over. Supporting contributions came from Chase (28) and Rovman Powell (33 off 23 balls), while Romario Shepherd and Jason Holder ensured the side crossed the 160-run mark in the final overs.

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New Zealand's chase stalls despite Santner's bravado; Seales, Chase shine

In pursuit of the target, New Zealand struggled from the outset, losing early wickets and slipping into a difficult position. Although Mitchell Santner provided a late surge to keep the home side's hopes flickering, the mounting required run rate proved insurmountable in the end. Santner cracked a blistering 28-ball 55 riding on 8 fours and 2 sixes but couldn't rally his side past finish line. It was Jayden Seales and Roston Chase which broke Kiwis' back with brilliant three-fers apiece. The victory marked the third consecutive T20I win for the West Indies against New Zealand, following their successful outings in the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2022 fixture played in Kingston.

Meanwhile, the second T20I between New Zealand and West Indies will take place on November 6.