Chapman stars as New Zealand holds out West Indies by 3 runs in 2nd T20

Chapman Stars as New Zealand Holds Out West Indies by 3 Runs in 2nd T20

AUCKLAND, New Zealand (AP) — Mark Chapman delivered a spectacular performance, scoring 78 runs from just 28 balls, including a rapid half-century off 19 deliveries, as New Zealand narrowly defeated the West Indies by three runs to level the series 1-1 on Thursday.

Chapman’s explosive batting powered New Zealand to add 100 runs between the ninth and sixteenth overs, finishing their innings at 207-5 after being sent in to bat.

West Indies' Fighting Effort and Spin Challenge

The West Indies struggled early against New Zealand’s effective spin attack, losing six wickets for 94 runs after 13 overs. However, a strong late surge by Rovman Powell, who scored 45 runs from 16 balls, Romario Shepherd with 34 from 16 balls, and Matthew Forde, unbeaten on 29 from 13 deliveries, brought the contest down to the final over.

Final Over Thriller

Facing 16 runs needed with three wickets remaining, the West Indies trusted Kyle Jamieson to bowl the last over. Jamieson conceded two fours early, including a no-ball, but managed to take Powell’s wicket on the fourth ball thanks to a sharp catch by Chapman, who completed three catches in the innings and earned Player of the Match honors.

The West Indies required six runs off the final two balls but managed only three, finishing at 204-8.

“The West Indies boys, they’re so strong they’re never really out of the game,” Chapman said. “It was amazing that the boys held their nerve at the end.”

Chapman’s innings surged from 12 runs off 10 balls to 65 off 22 balls, anchoring New Zealand’s total.

Summary: Mark Chapman’s explosive batting and sharp fielding secured a thrilling 3-run win for New Zealand against a resilient West Indies side, leveling the T20 series at 1-1.

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iNFOnews.ca — 2025-11-06