WI VS NZ 5TH T20I

Right then, that brings the curtain down on the five-match T20I series, with New Zealand clinching it 3-1 after a fairly one-sided contest. Mitchell Santner gets the trophy and celebrates with his teammates.  The focus now shifts to the ODI leg of the tour, with the opening match scheduled for November 16th, Sunday at Christchurch. The action begins at 1 AM GMT, and we’ll be with you well before the first ball for all the pre-match build-up, expert insights, and analysis. Until then, take care and goodbye!

Mitchell Santner, the victorious New Zealand skipper, says that they knew that the seamers would get some help. Adds that the bowlers were really good, picking up early wickets and the batters were very professional in the chase. Mentions that wickets in the Powerplay were crucial for them in this series. Says that it is a small ground but getting to 200-220 is not always easy, and he is proud of the effort put in by his team to restrict the Windies to a low score.

Shai Hope, the West Indies captain, spoke about the team’s performance. He said they aimed to deliver a strong bowling effort and prevent the batters from dominating the Powerplay, even with a low total. He was pleased with the contributions from the lower-order batters, calling it a promising sign. Hope acknowledged the need for proper preparation in challenging conditions but stressed that it shouldn’t be used as an excuse. He emphasized the importance of being ready both mentally and physically. Despite the series loss, he sees encouraging signs within the team. Looking ahead, Hope said the team will take lessons from the T20I series into the ODIs, with a focus on the batters stepping up and building momentum in the 50-over format.

Jacob Duffy is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH AND SERIES for his superb four-fer in this game and 10 wickets in total. He says that he expected the pitch to help the pacers, and they did an excellent job of keeping the Windies to 140. Adds that they wanted to be clinical as this was their last chance to impress the home fans before the World Cup. Mentions that it is very important to pick up wickets in the Powerplay in T20Is, and he has had a memorable series. Says that the Windies have a great line-up as they have power down to number 10, and at times it was challenging, but he enjoyed a lot bowling against them a lot, and the crowd loved it as well.

Presentation time...

Earlier in the day, New Zealand put in a disciplined bowling performance to restrict the West Indies to a modest total of 140. Jacob Duffy was the standout performer, claiming impressive figures of 4 for 35, while the rest of the attack provided strong support with timely breakthroughs to bowl out the hosts inside 19 overs. Roston Chase and Romario Shepherd offered some resistance with useful contributions for the Men in Maroon, but the remainder of the batting lineup struggled to find momentum. New Zealand will look to take the confidence into the ODIs, while the West Indies will hope for a comeback.

Not a lot to talk about the West Indies bowling as they did not have enough runs to defend after a disappointing outing with the bat. Romario Shepherd, Matthew Forde, and Shamar Springer were the pick of the bowlers, with Shepherd and Springer taking one piece.  The West Indies will now look to regroup and deliver a stronger showing in the upcoming ODI series.

A clinical chase from the Black Caps seals a dominant 8-wicket win over the West Indies, securing the T20I series 3–1. The victory, achieved with more than four overs to spare, also marked New Zealand’s fifth win in this format at this venue, keeping their unbeaten record intact. Chasing 140 for victory, openers Tim Robinson and Devon Conway laid a solid foundation with a 69-run stand. Robinson’s brisk 45 set the tone before he fell, but Conway anchored the innings with an unbeaten 47. Contributions from Rachin Ravindra and Mark Chapman, who both added useful 20s, ensured a smooth finish as the Black Caps cruised home in style.

Devon Conway hits the winning runs! Romario Shepherd pitches it up, on middle and leg, Conway drills it to long on for one. NEW ZEALAND WIN BY 8 WICKETS AND TAKE THE SERIES 3-1!

SCORES LEVEL! Short of a length and on off, Mark Chapman pulls it hard and wide of long on for just one. He thought it was going for a boundary, and has a smile on his face.

Back of a length and outside off, Devon Conway cuts it away through point for a run.

FOUR! Shot of high quality! Romario Shepherd serves this fuller, on the pads. Devon Conway brings his wrists into play and flicks it away with superb timing through mid-wicket for a boundary. New Zealand one hit away from the win now!

Low full toss, on off, Devon Conway drills it to deep point for one more.

Fuller and on leg, Mark Chapman clips it to short fine for one.

SIX! BOOM! Goes the other side now! Pitched up and just outside off, Mark Chapman extends his arms to reach out for it and carves it over the deep extra cover fence for another biggie.

WIDE! Tries the wide yorker, but spills it way outside off, Mark Chapman leaves it alone. Wided.

SIX! That is outta here! Jayden Seales bangs this into the pitch, on off, sits up nicely for the batter. Mark Chapman gets on top of it and hammers it over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie. The Kiwis need just 16 runs to win now!