Auckland, Nov 05 (V7N) — The West Indies defeated New Zealand by 7 runs in the first T20I of the series at Eden Park, marking their first T20I victory on New Zealand soil.

Chasing a target of 164 runs, New Zealand’s openers managed 30 runs before Matthew Ford dismissed Devon Conway. Akil Hossain removed Rachin Ravindra for 21, and Jayden Seales struck in the middle order, taking the key wickets of Daryl Mitchell and Mitchell Bracewell, severely denting the Black Caps’ chase.

Despite a 50-run unbeaten partnership off 20 balls, New Zealand fell short, with captain Mitchell Santner remaining unbeaten on 55 off 28 balls.

For the West Indies, Jayden Seales and Roston Chase claimed 3 wickets each, while Brandon King, Shai Hope, Rovman Powell, and Chase played crucial roles in their total of 164 for 6 wickets.

For New Zealand, Jack Foakes and Jacob Duffy took 2 wickets apiece.

END/SMA/AJ