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In a pulse-racing encounter at Auckland’s Eden Park, New Zealand held their nerve to edge past West Indies by three runs in the second T20I, balancing the series 1-1 despite Rovman Powell’s ferocious late fireworks nearly snatching victory for the visitors. Batting first, New Zealand posted a formidable 207/5, powered by Mark Chapman’s blistering 78 off just 28 balls, while West Indies fell just short at 204/8 in their chase, with Powell’s stunning 45 off 16 balls almost turning the contest on its head.
Mark Chapman’s explosive knock lights up Eden Park
New Zealand’s batting innings started brightly as Tim Robinson blazed 39 off 25 balls, setting the tone for an aggressive display. After Devon Conway’s early dismissal, the baton was swiftly handed to Chapman, who played one of the most explosive knocks in recent T20I memory. Chapman unleashed carnage in the middle overs, smashing six fours and seven sixes in a 28-ball 78 that saw him accelerate New Zealand’s scoring rate spectacularly.
Chapman reached his fifty off just 19 balls, combining power and placement against both spin and pace. His partnership with Daryl Mitchell, who provided a brisk 28* off 14 balls himself, was instrumental as New Zealand rocketed past the 200-run mark in the final over. Even as West Indies bowlers like Matthew Forde (1/17) kept things tight early, Jayden Seales and Romario Shepherd were put to the sword by Chapman’s relentless attack. The fast finish propelled New Zealand to 207/5, with an imposing run rate of 10.35 setting a mammoth target for the visitors.
Also READ: Fans erupt as Mark Chapman lights up Eden Park with explosive knock in NZ vs WI 2nd T20I
Rovman Powell’s onslaught goes in vain against New Zealand
Chasing 208, West Indies found themselves pegged back early as Brandon King departed for a duck, but Alick Athanaze (33 off 25) and Shai Hope (24 off 26) kept the visitors in the contest through the powerplay and middle overs. New Zealand’s spin duo, Ish Sodhi (3/39) and Mitchell Santner (3/31), struck vital blows just as West Indies seemed to be building partnerships, reducing them to 93/6 by the 13th over.
However, the game turned dramatically as Powell erupted in the late overs. Entering with the required rate climbing, Powell blasted six huge sixes and one four in an electrifying 45 off 16 balls. His partnership with Romario Shepherd (34 off 16) kept West Indies alive, Forde too with the bat, brought the game down to the final over with the team needing six off two balls. But Kyle Jamieson held his nerve, dismissing Powell off the penultimate delivery and sealing a three-run win for the hosts. Chapman was deservedly named Player of the Match for his all-round brilliance, which included three catches in the field.
New Zealand survive to level the series 1-1 🏏
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