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Black Caps Edge West Indies in Nail-Biting Series Opener
New Zealand secured a hard-fought and thrilling seven-run victory over the West Indies in the first One-Day International at Hagley Oval, Christchurch, taking an early 1-0 lead in the series. The match was a seesaw contest, ultimately decided by a monumental century from Daryl Mitchell and disciplined bowling under pressure.
First Innings: Mitchell Anchors the Ship
New Zealand struggled for fluency on a two-paced pitch but managed to post a respectable total of 269 for 7 in their 50 overs, driven entirely by Daryl Mitchell’s resilience.
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Early Wobbles: The Black Caps faced a rocky start, losing two early wickets cheaply, which set the tone for a cautious innings.
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Anchor Performance: Daryl Mitchell entered the fray and played a match-defining innings, scoring 119 runs off 118 deliveries. This was his seventh ODI hundred and his first against the West Indies, solidifying his role as the team’s crisis man. He stitched together crucial partnerships, including 67 runs with Devon Conway, who ground out 49 runs, and a 69-run stand with Michael Bracewell (35).
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Late Surge: Tail-ender Zak Foulkes provided valuable late impetus, striking an unbeaten 22 off 16 balls, pushing the total closer to the 270 mark.
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West Indies Bowling: Jayden Seales was the pick of the bowlers, utilising the conditions well to claim 3 wickets for 41 runs. Matthew Forde added two wickets.
Second Innings: West Indies Fight Falls Just Short
Chasing 270, the West Indies’ innings never reached a consistent flow, but several key partnerships kept them agonisingly close until the final over.
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Steadying the Innings: After losing an early wicket, Alick Athanaze (29) and Keacy Carty (32) consumed valuable overs but stabilised the middle order. Captain Shai Hope (37) lifted the scoring rate before Sherfane Rutherford added significant momentum with a fighting 55 off 61 balls.
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The Final Push: Despite losing Rutherford in the 46th over, the visitors staged a furious late comeback led by Justin Greaves (38 off 24 balls)* and Romario Shepherd (26 off 19 balls)*. Their unbroken 53-run partnership ensured the game went down to the final six deliveries.
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Nerve-Wracking Finish: Needing just nine runs off the last two balls, the West Indies couldn’t find the necessary boundaries. New Zealand’s bowlers, especially Kyle Jamieson (who finished with 3 wickets for 52 runs) and Jacob Duffy (who held his nerve in the final overs), managed to restrict the tourists to 262 for 6.
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