Black Caps Seal 3-0 ODI Series Victory with Four-Wicket Win in Hamilton
HAMILTON, New Zealand (AP): Mark Chapman anchored New Zealand to a four-wicket victory over the West Indies in the third One Day International on Saturday, completing a comprehensive 3-0 series sweep for the Black Caps.
New Zealand successfully chased the West Indies’ target of 161 with a significant 19.3 overs remaining. Chapman scored a gritty 64, his fourth ODI half-century, and stabilized the innings through a match-high 75-run partnership for the fifth wicket with Michael Bracewell.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, the West Indies struggled on a tricky Seddon Park pitch, managing only 161 runs before being dismissed in 36.2 overs. New Zealand’s bowlers were highly effective, with Matt Henry taking 4-43 with the new ball and Mitch Santner grabbing 2-27. The West Indies were hampered by losing three wickets during the power play and ultimately collapsing to 96-7 before Roston Chase (38) and Khary Pierre (22 not out) provided late resistance.
New Zealand’s chase got off to a rocky start, stumbling to 32-3 and then 70-4 after Tom Latham’s dismissal. However, Chapman and Bracewell relieved the pressure. Chapman was particularly aggressive, smashing a six on his way to his half-century in an over that yielded 17 runs off Matthew Forde. Bracewell finished 40 not out off 31 balls, complementing Chapman’s determined effort.
“We could keep taking wickets throughout to put teams under pressure,” Henry commented on the bowling unit’s performance, acknowledging the persistent effort required on the slower surface. New Zealand had previously won the first two matches by seven runs and five wickets, respectively.
