NAPIER, NEW ZEALAND: New Zealand clinched a thrilling, rain-affected second One-Day International (ODI) against the West Indies on Wednesday, securing an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. The victory came despite a sensational, record-equalling century from West Indies captain, Shai Hope.
The match at McLean Park was reduced to 34 overs per side due to persistent rain, setting up a fast-paced encounter.
Batting first after being asked to by the hosts, the West Indies innings was dominated by Shai Hope, who rescued his side from a precarious position of 86 for 5. Hope smashed an unbeaten 109 off just 69 balls, a magnificent innings that included 13 fours and 4 sixes.
His century was significant: it not only stabilized the innings but also saw him equal Brian Lara’s West Indies record of 19 ODI hundreds and cross the 6,000 ODI run mark, becoming the second-fastest West Indies batsman to reach the milestone behind Viv Richards. Supported by useful cameos from the lower order, Hope guided the West Indies to a competitive total of 247 for 9 in their allotted 34 overs.
Chasing a demanding target of 248 runs, New Zealand’s response was anchored by a strong opening partnership. Devon Conway (90 off 84 balls) and Rachin Ravindra (56 off 46 balls) put on a crucial 106-run stand that laid the perfect foundation.
Despite a mid-innings wobble, where they lost quick wickets, the hosts held their nerve. Captain Mitchell Santner proved the difference, delivering a blistering unbeaten 34 off just 15 balls, alongside Tom Latham (39* off 29 balls).
Santner hit a six and three fours off the final three overs to swing the momentum decisively, steering the Black Caps to 248 for 5 with three balls remaining to claim a five-wicket victory.
While Hope was deservedly named Player of the Match for his outstanding innings, he expressed disappointment over the final result. “It’s always good to try to give the team the best chance of winning the game, but I always look at it from within, and there’s more I could have done,” Hope said after the match.
