Chapman’s 19-Ball Blitz Levels Series in Eden Park Thriller! 🦁
By Our Sports Correspondent
Published: Friday, November 7, 2025
Auckland, NZ – The highly anticipated T20 International series between the New Zealand Black Caps and the West Indies has erupted into a spectacular contest, living up to its billing as a must-watch clash of styles. After a tense opener, the Black Caps fought back in dramatic fashion on Thursday night, powered by a breathtaking display of hitting from Mark Chapman.
⚔️ Series Introduction and Scores
The five-match T20I series is proving to be a rollercoaster ride, showcasing the best of white-ball cricket from both sides.
| Match | Date | Winner | Score | Series Status |
| 1st T20I | Wednesday, Nov 5 | West Indies | Won by 7 runs (WI: 164/6, NZ: 157/10) | WI lead 1-0 |
| 2nd T20I | Thursday, Nov 6 | New Zealand | Won by 3 runs (NZ: 207/5, WI: 204/8) | Series level 1-1 |
🔥 Chapman Roars to Fastest Fifty as Black Caps Hold On
New Zealand bounced back from their opening defeat to beat the West Indies by a nail-biting three runs at Eden Park, leveling the series at 1-1. The victory was defined by a phenomenal individual performance from Mark Chapman, whose early evening explosion set the West Indies a massive target.
Sent in to bat, the Black Caps were put on the back foot early, but Chapman arrived at the crease to unleash one of the most blistering T20 innings seen this summer. He blasted 78 runs from just 28 balls, reaching a sensational half-century from only 19 deliveries. Chapman’s assault was relentless, allowing New Zealand to pile on an extraordinary 100 runs between the ninth and 16th overs, propelling the team to a formidable total of 207-5.
🤯 Spin Chokes, Then Windies Power-Hitter Show
In response, the West Indies initially struggled to gain momentum against New Zealand’s three-pronged spin attack, stumbling to 94-6 after 13 overs.
However, the late order produced a devastating counter-attack, reaffirming the tourists’ reputation for power-hitting. Rovman Powell (45 from 16 balls), Romario Shepherd (34 from 16), and the unbeaten Matthew Forde (29 from 13) brought the visitors agonizingly close. Entering the final over, the West Indies required 16 runs with three wickets in hand.
The task of closing out the game fell to pacer Kyle Jamieson. He endured a high-tension finish, conceding a four off the first ball and a no-ball four off the third. The turning point came on the fourth ball when Powell, attempting another maximum, was caught by the omnipresent Chapman, who took three catches on the night to complete a player-of-the-match all-round performance.
Despite the valiant effort, the West Indies finished short at 204-8, with New Zealand holding their nerve for a thrilling three-run win.
The series now moves to Nelson for the third T20I, with both teams showcasing the quality and competitive fire expected in this trans-Tasman rivalry. The Lions Roar predicts more fireworks in the coming games!
