While much of the sporting world focused on the football World Cup final in New Jersey, Kensington Oval in Bridgetown staged its own dramatic contest on a day marked by remembrance for Sir Garry Sobers.
New Zealand and West Indies produced a low-scoring thriller on a two-paced surface, with the visitors eventually sealing a one-wicket win to take a 3-1 lead in the five-match series.
Chasing a modest target of 189 on a difficult batting surface, New Zealand appeared in control before West Indies fought back through Gudakesh Motie’s brilliant five-wicket haul. However, Santner’s unbeaten 34 and a composed final-wicket stand with Jayden Lennox carried the visitors across the line in a tense finish.
Santner Guides New Zealand Home
The decisive partnership came with New Zealand down to their final wicket and still needing valuable runs.
Lennox, who had starred with the ball in the previous two matches, showed remarkable composure with the bat, surviving 10 deliveries while remaining unbeaten on nine as Santner managed the chase.
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West Indies came agonisingly close to victory when Jayden Seales deceived Santner with a slower ball. The New Zealand captain mistimed his shot high towards extra cover, but Ackeem Auguste and Justin Greaves collided while attempting the catch, allowing the chance to slip away.
There was more drama in the next over when Santner survived a strong lbw appeal against Vitel Lawes. Replays confirmed the delivery had pitched just outside off stump.
Moments later, Santner lofted Seales over the infield to seal a memorable victory with one wicket remaining.
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Chapman Anchors the Chase
Mark Chapman laid the foundation for New Zealand’s chase with a superb 80 from 82 balls. Arriving at the crease after New Zealand slipped to 6/2, Chapman rebuilt the innings through useful partnerships with Will Young and Tom Latham before accelerating once the visitors found themselves under pressure at 77/4.
Given a reprieve on 22 when Motie dropped a difficult chance, Chapman quickly shifted gears, attacking the West Indies bowlers with powerful pulls and sweeping strokes. His aggressive approach transformed the chase as he added 65 runs with Michael Bracewell, swinging momentum back towards New Zealand.
Sherfane Rutherford eventually produced an outstanding catch on the boundary to dismiss Chapman, opening the door for West Indies once again.
Following a rain interruption, Motie removed Bracewell with the first ball after play resumed before cleaning up the lower order to finish with outstanding figures of 5/47.
Despite the collapse around him, Santner remained calm to complete the chase.
Jangoo and Motie Rescue West Indies
Earlier, West Indies struggled to build partnerships after choosing to bat first.
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Matthew Fisher struck early, dismissing captain Shai Hope with a superb yorker to claim his maiden ODI wicket. Santner then removed Ackeem Auguste as the hosts slipped into trouble.
Amir Jangoo and Gudakesh Motie revived the innings with a crucial 81-run partnership after West Indies looked in danger of a complete collapse.
Jangoo top-scored with 51, while Motie played an excellent all-round role with 41 valuable runs before later starring with the ball.
Their partnership helped West Indies recover to 188 before the innings ended without using all of their allotted overs, a factor that ultimately proved decisive.
New Zealand Clinch the Series
Santner completed an outstanding all-round performance by following his unbeaten 34 with earlier bowling figures of 2/36.
Fisher finished as New Zealand’s leading wicket-taker with 3/40, while disciplined spells throughout the innings ensured West Indies never built the momentum needed to post a more challenging total.
Although Motie’s five wickets almost inspired an unlikely comeback, New Zealand held their nerve in the closing stages to secure a dramatic one-wicket victory and wrap up the ODI series with one match still to play.
