Christchurch witnessed a dramatic finish as West Indies, needing 269 to win, fell just seven runs short despite a breathtaking surge in the final three overs. Romario Shepherd and Justin Greaves launched an astonishing late assault, but New Zealand held their nerve to take a 1–0 lead in the three-match ODI series.
A Final Over Filled With Chaos and Courage
With 12 required off the last over, Jacob Duffy found himself under immense pressure. Shepherd, who had just launched him for a straight six, looked poised to snatch victory.
15 needed off 3 balls → Shepherd smashed a massive straight six.
9 needed off 2 → Duffy bowled a clever slower ball; Shepherd missed completely.
8 off the last ball → Even a six wouldn’t do; Shepherd took a single.
West Indies closed on 262 for 6, losing by seven runs.
Score Summary
| Team | Overs | Score | Top Scorers | Best Bowlers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | 50 | 269/7 | Mitchell 119, Conway 49 | Seales 3/41 |
| West Indies | 50 | 262/6 | Rutherford 55, Greaves 38*, Hope 37 | Jamieson 3/52 |
New Zealand’s Hero: Jacob Duffy
Despite leaking 25 runs in his previous two overs, Duffy delivered a superb final over. His variation, composure and slower deliveries turned what looked like a collapsing defence into a match-winning spell.
Windies Lose Momentum Early
Chasing 269, West Indies struggled as their top order batted far too slowly.
Alick Athanaze crawled to 29 off 58 balls
Keacy Carty made 32 off 67
Asking rate surged relentlessly. Shai Hope (37 off 45) and Sherfane Rutherford (55 off 61) revived hopes, but the pressure was already mounting.
A Late Fightback That Shocked Everyone
At the end of 47 overs, West Indies were 225 for 6, still needing 45 off 18 balls — a task bordering on impossible. Yet Shepherd and Greaves launched a thrilling counter-attack:
13 runs off the 48th over
12 off the 49th over
Suddenly, the impossible looked probable. Greaves remained unbeaten on 38 off 24, while Shepherd struck 26 off 19. But the last over brought heartbreak.
Mitchell’s Century Sets Up New Zealand’s Win
Daryl Mitchell produced a superb innings, scoring 119 off 118 balls, laced with 12 boundaries and two sixes. His seventh ODI century formed the backbone of New Zealand’s total.
Result
New Zealand win by 7 runs
Player of the Match: Daryl Mitchell
The second ODI will be played in Napier on 19 November.