New Zealand Reinstates Chapman for 34-Overs-a-Side Match
In a thrilling rain-affected match in Napier, the West Indies managed to set a competitive target of 247 runs for 9 in a 34-overs-a-side game against New Zealand on November 19, 2025. The highlight of the innings was captain Shai Hope’s remarkable unbeaten 109 runs off just 69 balls, showcasing his skill on a challenging pitch.
Match Overview
The match was delayed for nearly three hours due to rain, with play eventually starting at around 5 PM local time. West Indies faced a tough start, having been reduced to 130 for 6 in the 24th over. However, a stellar late innings performance, where they scored 117 runs in the last ten overs, helped them recover. The team finished with a run rate of 7.26.
Batting Performance
- Shai Hope: 109* off 69 balls
- Romario Shepherd and Matthew Forde provided crucial support in the later overs.
- Hope brought up his 6000 ODI runs, becoming one of the quickest among West Indies players.
Bowling Highlights
New Zealand’s bowlers faced difficulties, with Kyle Jamieson being particularly effective, taking 3 wickets for 44 runs, while Nathan Smith captured 4 wickets, limiting West Indies’ chances at crucial intervals.
Key Moments
After a slow start, the West Indies batsmen rallied back aggressively. With only 18 runs managed in the reduced powerplay, Hope’s innings sparked a turnaround. He powered through the final overs, striking 13 fours and four sixes, leading his team to a par score on a challenging pitch that provided significant movement.
Conclusion
The West Indies will look to defend their total in the second half of the match. The strong performance from Shai Hope and timely contributions from his teammates should provide them with confidence as they seek to secure victory in this gripping encounter.
