New Zealand clinched an unbeatable 2-0 lead in the ODI series. They chased down 248 runs in Napier on November 19. Devon Conway starred with 90 runs in a clinical performance. The Black Caps edged out the West Indies with three balls remaining.
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🔥 Quick Facts:
- New Zealand beat West Indies by 5 wickets at McLean Park.
- West Indies scored 247/9 in 34 overs; Shai Hope slammed 109*.
- New Zealand reached 248/5 in 33.3 overs.
- Devon Conway scored 90 and Rachin Ravindra added 56 runs.
- The series concludes on Saturday with the 3rd ODI still to play.
What Happened in Napier
West Indies batted first after losing the toss. Early on, the conditions favored the bowlers heavily.
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Shai Hope transformed the match single-handedly. West Indies slumped to 130 for 6 after 24 overs. Hope then unleashed an assault that changed everything.
He smashed 117 runs in the final ten overs. Hope brought up 6000 ODI runs, becoming the second-fastest West Indian to reach that milestone. He finished with 109 not out off just 69 balls. His innings featured 13 fours and four sixes.
“Hope smashed the bowlers all across McLean Park. He got decent support first from Romario Shepherd, who pumped Henry for two sixes in three balls.”
Kyle Jamieson took 3 for 44. Nathan Smith claimed 4 for 42 with the ball.
New Zealand’s Confident Chase
Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra set up victory early on. The openers built a rare century opening partnership that proved decisive.
Conway struck 90 runs off 84 balls with authority and precision. Ravindra contributed 56 runs as the pair dominated West Indies bowling. They put on 106 runs for the first wicket.
The West Indies fought back momentarily with wickets falling regularly. Tom Latham stepped up with an unbeaten 39. Then Mitchell Santner powered through with 34 runs off just 15 balls.
New Zealand sealed victory with 3 balls to spare. They successfully chased the target in 33.3 overs to take command of the series.
Match Stats & Scorecard
Here’s the summary of the match played at McLean Park in Napier:
| Team | Runs | Wickets | Overs |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Indies | 247 | 9 | 34 |
| New Zealand | 248 | 5 | 33.3 |
Player of the Match: Shai Hope – West Indies captain scored a match-winning 109 not out.
The match was reduced to 34 overs a side due to rain and wet ground conditions at the venue.
What Comes Next for Both Teams
The ODI series now stands at 2-0 to New Zealand. The third and final ODI takes place on Saturday.
- West Indies must win to avoid a series whitewash.
- New Zealand can clinch the series with one more victory.
- Both teams will adjust tactics after this nail-biting encounter.
- Weather forecasts suggest better conditions ahead for the decider.
- Shai Hope will aim to replicate his form with the bat.
Can West Indies Bounce Back in the Final ODI?
The West Indies showed resilience and fight despite going down. Shai Hope‘s century proved they can match New Zealand on their home turf.
However, New Zealand holds all the momentum heading into the decider. Devon Conway’s form and the opening partnership demonstrate their batting depth. The question remains: Can the West Indies force a final-match showdown?
Sources
- ESPN Cricinfo – Complete match report and scorecard details from Napier.
- Channel News Asia – Match summary and key performance highlights.
- India Today – Series analysis and victory details.
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.