A blistering late assault from Rovman Powell was not enough to save the West Indies from a narrow three-run defeat to New Zealand in the second T20 International at Eden Park in Auckland on Thursday.
The result saw the hosts level the five-match series at 1-1 while registering their first home T20 victory of the season.
Chasing a challenging target of 208, the West Indies were reeling at 93 for six in the 13th over before Powell launched a furious counter-attack. The Jamaican all-rounder smashed one four and six towering sixes in a breathtaking 45 off just 16 balls, reviving hopes of an improbable win.
Needing 16 runs from the final over, Powell’s resistance ended on the fourth delivery, and Mathew Forde could only manage a single off the last ball as the Caribbean side finished on 204 for eight — agonisingly short of the target.
Earlier, Alick Athanaze struck 33 from 25 balls, captain Shai Hope made 24, Romario Shepherd blasted 34 off 16, and Forde remained unbeaten on 29 as the Windies mounted a spirited but ultimately insufficient chase. Ish Sodhi and Mitchell Santner each claimed three wickets for New Zealand.
Sent in to bat first, the hosts were powered by a devastating inning from Mark Chapman, who earned the Player of the Match award for his explosive 78 off just 28 deliveries, laced with six fours and seven sixes. Tim Robinson added 39 at the top of the order, while Daryl Mitchell contributed an unbeaten 28 as New Zealand posted 207 for five.
For the West Indies, Roston Chase took two for 33, with Forde, Jason Holder, and Shepherd each picking up a wicket.
The teams now head to Nelson, where the third T20 International will be played on Saturday at Saxton Oval.
