A thrilling T20I match between West Indies and New Zealand saw Matthew Forde make a sparkling return from injury, helping his team secure a nail-biting victory despite a late surge from Mitchell Santner. The series opener was marked by several twists and turns as West Indies eventually clinched the lowest total successfully defended at Eden Park, a testament to their grit and determination.
Forde’s impressive opening burst set the tone for the innings, but New Zealand’s top order struggled to handle the extra bounce on the surface. Roston Chase’s fine display of spin bowling and Romario Shepherd’s clutch final over ensured West Indies took an early lead in the five-match series.
The match was a major turnaround for both teams, with West Indies’ batting order showing signs of improvement after struggling earlier. The series is seen as crucial preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup, and this win will boost the team’s morale ahead of the tournament.
Source: newsroom.gy