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Hope's superhuman 109 not enough as Santner's cameo helps New Zealand smash West Indies

Akshita Patel

New Zealand beat West Indies in 2nd ODI [Source: @Visharad_KW22/X.com]New Zealand beat West Indies in 2nd ODI [Source: @Visharad_KW22/X.com]

New Zealand sealed the series with a confident five-wicket win over West Indies in the rain-affected second ODI at McLean Park, Napier. The match was reduced to 34 overs per side.

But that didn’t stop both teams from producing an exciting contest filled with big hits, quick wickets, and one truly world-class hundred. 

Shai Hope propels West Indies to a respectable total

The West Indies were put into bat and struggled early, losing wickets regularly. John Campbell, Ackeem Auguste, and Keacy Carty all got starts but couldn’t carry on, as Kyle Jamieson and Nathan Smith bowled with great discipline. 

At 86/5, the West Indies looked in huge trouble. But captain Shai Hope played one of the best ODI knocks of his career to rescue the innings.

Hope smashed an unbeaten 109 off just 69 balls. He picked gaps beautifully, punished loose balls, and smashed 13 fours and four sixes. 

He also found support from the lower order, especially Romario Shepherd (22 off 14) and Matthew Forde (21 off 11), who provided important bursts of power.

Thanks to Hope’s brilliance, the West Indies finished on a competitive 247/9 in their 34 overs.

Mitchell Santner pulls off a last-over victory with a late cameo

New Zealand’s chase, meanwhile, started with real authority. Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra struck with purpose from the first ball, building a confident 106-run partnership.

From the first ball, Conway looked settled at the crease, timing the ball to perfection and using his feet well to rotate the strike. His 90 off 84 balls was the backbone of the innings.

Rachin supported him brilliantly with his aggressive 56 off 46 balls, including five huge sixes.

West Indies briefly fought back with quick strikes as Will Young, Mark Chapman, and Conway fell in a short span, but Tom Latham and Mitchell Santner ensured there were no late twists. 

Santner hit 14 runs off Shamar Springer’s 33rd over to reduce the required rate. With Jayden Selaes’ no-ball drama, Mitchell Santner hit the winning runs as New Zealand sealed the game with three balls to spare.

Jayden Seales, Roston Chase, Justin Greaves, and Shamar Springer picked up a wicket each, but the bowlers struggled to contain New Zealand in the middle overs.

With that victory, New Zealand have secured the 3-game ODI series with an unassailable 2-0 lead.