The second ODI of the series in Napier turned into almost a T20 match due to rain, with the game being reduced to 34 overs. New Zealand needed 247 runs to win, and they achieved it with 5 wickets in hand. When Mitchell Santner came to bat, New Zealand required 54 runs from 29 balls, almost 11 runs per over. Santner’s explosive 15-ball innings, which included 2 sixes and 3 fours for 34 runs, helped New Zealand reach the target with 3 balls to spare.
Earlier, West Indies put up a strong total thanks to a brilliant century by Shai Hope. Hope remained unbeaten on 109 runs from 69 balls, including 4 sixes and 13 fours. West Indies, batting first, finished with 247/9 in their 34 overs. After losing 6 wickets for 130 runs in the 24th over, Hope single-handedly carried the team, helping them reach 247 by adding 117 runs in the final 10 overs.
In New Zealand’s chase, Devon Conway played a steady hand, scoring 90 runs, while Rachin Ravindra contributed 56 runs from 46 balls. However, the game shifted when Conway was dismissed for 90 in the 26th over, caught superbly by Royston Chase at backward point. With the loss of Conway and then Michael Bracewell, it was Santner and Tom Latham who guided the team to victory. Santner remained unbeaten on 34* off 15 balls, while Latham finished with 39* from 38 balls.
The Player of the Match was Shai Hope, whose century was the only standout performance for West Indies. Without his contribution, West Indies would have struggled to post such a total. However, New Zealand’s late fireworks and Santner’s match-winning innings sealed the victory. With this win, New Zealand lead the series 2-0, and West Indies are now out of contention for the series win. The third and final ODI will be played in Hamilton on Saturday.
