West Indies Stun New Zealand in T20I Thriller, Defend Lowest-Ever Eden Park Total in Historic 7-Run Win
Did you see that finish? The West Indies just pulled off something incredible. They beat New Zealand by a nail-biting 7 runs in the first T20I at Auckland’s Eden Park on November 5, 2025, defending what is now the lowest T20I total ever successfully defended at the famous ground.
Key Takeaways
- West Indies beat New Zealand by just 7 runs in the first T20I match.
- They successfully defended 164 runs, the lowest T20I total ever defended at Eden Park.
- Roston Chase was named Player of the Match for his crucial 28 runs and 3 wickets.
- Kiwi captain Mitchell Santner scored a stunning unbeaten 55 off 28 balls in a losing effort.
- This marks West Indies’ first regulation-time T20I win against the Black Caps in New Zealand.
Setting a Deceptive Target
Look, nobody thought 164 was enough. Especially not at Eden Park. After being put in to bat by New Zealand, the West Indies struggled on a tricky, two-paced pitch. But their captain, Shai Hope, was brilliant. He anchored the innings with a crucial 53 off just 39 balls, hitting four fours and three sixes. With support from Rovman Powell (33) and Roston Chase (28), they managed to post 164/6, a score that felt well below par.
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How The Chase Unraveled
New Zealand started their chase looking comfortable. But then, it all fell apart. In a shocking turn of events, the Kiwis collapsed, losing a staggering seven wickets for only 37 runs between the 10th and 17th overs. They slumped to 107/9, and the game looked completely over. Roston Chase (3/26) and Jayden Seales (3/32) were the chief destroyers, ripping through the New Zealand batting lineup with precision and skill.
Santner’s Heroic Stand Almost Stole the Show
But then came the twist. New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner, coming in at number eight, decided he wasn’t going down without a fight. He launched an absolutely breathtaking counter-attack, smashing an unbeaten 55 from just 28 deliveries. His innings included eight fours and two sixes, and he became the first captain of a full-member nation to score a T20I half-century from number eight or lower. He single-handedly dragged his team back into the contest, scoring 36 runs in the 18th and 19th overs alone. Seriously.
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Expert Analysis
The unpredictable Eden Park pitch was a massive factor. It wasn’t easy to score on, and the West Indian bowlers were smarter in how they used it. While Hope provided the stability with the bat, it was Chase’s all-round performance that truly tilted the game. Santner played one of the innings of his life, but the damage done to the top order was just too severe to overcome.
The Final Over Thriller
It all came down to the last over. New Zealand needed 20 runs to win. Santner was on strike. The pressure was immense. But bowler Romario Shepherd held his nerve. He executed his plans perfectly under pressure, preventing Santner from finding the boundary and sealing a historic 7-run victory for the visitors. It was a stunning end to a stunning match.
So, what happens next? The second T20I is scheduled for November 6 at the very same venue. Can New Zealand bounce back from this shocking loss, or will the West Indies ride this wave of momentum? Let us know what you think!