Auckland, November 5, 2025: The West Indies held their nerve in a nail-biting finish to defeat New Zealand by a narrow margin in the first T20 International at Eden Park on Tuesday, taking a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.
Fast bowler Matthew Forde marked his return from injury with a superb new-ball spell, claiming an early breakthrough before Romario Shepherd held his composure to defend 20 runs in the final over — sealing the lowest total ever defended in a T20I at Eden Park.
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner almost snatched victory with a blistering 55 not out off 28 balls, but his heroics fell just short as the hosts were bowled out following a dramatic collapse from 70-2 to 107-9.
Forde, playing his first match since July, finished with figures of 1 for 32, having earlier rattled Devon Conway’s stumps with a perfect outswinger. Shepherd’s final-over composure denied the Blackcaps a record chase despite a spirited tenth-wicket stand.
Earlier, West Indies captain Shai Hope anchored the innings with a composed 53 off 39 balls, recovering the visitors from 43 for 3 after a slow start. Rovman Powell added late fireworks with two big sixes to push the total to a defendable score.
For New Zealand, Jacob Duffy was the standout bowler with 2 for 21, while Kyle Jamieson and Zakary Foulkes picked up key wickets.
The match — played without DRS due to technical issues — marked New Zealand’s first T20I outing since Kane Williamson’s retirement from the format and served as vital preparation for both teams ahead of next year’s T20 World Cup.
