Win Projections to be updated soon
Auckland, 5 November 2025:
Roston Chase starred with both bat and ball as West Indies held their nerve to clinch a tense seven-run win over New Zealand in the opening T20 International at Eden Park on Wednesday.
Chase, who struck 28 off 27 balls before returning figures of 3-26, was named player of the match after leading the visitors to a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Chasing 165, New Zealand were restricted to 157 for nine despite captain Mitchell Santner’s explosive unbeaten 55 off 28 balls. Santner kept the hosts in contention with eight fours and two sixes, but lacked support from the other end as Chase, Jayden Seales and Akeal Hosein made regular breakthroughs.
Earlier, captain Shai Hope anchored the West Indies innings with a composed 53 from 39 deliveries, hitting four fours and three sixes. Rovman Powell’s brisk 33 and Chase’s steady knock lifted the tourists to 164 for six after they were sent in to bat.
Jacob Duffy led New Zealand’s bowling effort with 2-19, while debutant Zak Foulkes and Kyle Jamieson also picked up two wickets each.
In reply, New Zealand’s top order faltered as Seales dismissed Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell and Jamieson to finish with 3-32. Chase’s off-spin then sliced through the middle order, removing Mark Chapman, James Neesham and Foulkes to leave the hosts reeling at 107 for nine.
Santner’s late fireworks brought New Zealand within touching distance, but West Indies held firm in the final overs to seal a hard-fought win.
The second T20I will be played in Hamilton on Friday.
