west indies vs new zealand

Shai Hope's Masterful Century Not Enough as New Zealand Seize Control of ODI Series

The West Indies captain delivered a record-equalling performance with the bat, but it was ultimately overshadowed by a composed New Zealand chase led by Conway and Santner.

In a rain-affected thriller at Napier's McLean Park, New Zealand defeated the West Indies by five wickets to take a commanding 2-0 lead in the three-match series. The match, reduced to 42 overs per side due to persistent showers, saw West Indies captain Shai Hope play a captain's knock for the ages, only to see his side fall agonizingly short against a disciplined Black Caps batting lineup.

The Main Narrative: A Tale of Two Halves

The second One-Day International between New Zealand and the West Indies was a classic encounter that swung back and forth before the hosts ultimately prevailed. Opting to bowl first after winning the toss (a decision made easier by the wet outfield), New Zealand looked to restrict the visitors on a tricky surface.

However, Shai Hope had other plans. The West Indies skipper stood tall amidst the carnage, anchoring his team's innings with an unbeaten 109. His knock was a masterclass in ODI batting under pressure, mixing caution with calculated aggression. Thanks largely to his heroics, the West Indies managed to post a competitive 247 for 9 in their 42 overs.

Despite the modest total, the target proved challenging. The West Indies bowlers came out firing, reducing New Zealand to 158 for 5 in the 31st over. At that stage, the series was level. But what followed was a partnership that snatched the victory from the West Indies' grasp. Mitchell Santner, the New Zealand captain, joined forces with Michael Bracewell, and the duo put on an unbroken 90-run stand for the sixth wicket. Santner finished with a fluent 58 not out, while Bracewell chipped in with a vital 48 not out, guiding New Zealand home with three balls to spare.

This victory wasn't just about winning a match; it was about showcasing the depth and resilience of New Zealand cricket, particularly in the absence of several senior players. For the West Indies, it was a case of so near, yet so far, highlighting their ongoing struggles to convert individual brilliance into team victories.

Recent Updates: Match Day Drama and Records Broken

The second ODI was played on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at McLean Park, Napier. The official reports confirm the following key developments:

• Rain Interrupts Start: The match was delayed at the start due to rain, pushing back the toss and reducing the game to 42 overs per side Yahoo.
• Hope's Historic Century: Shai Hope's unbeaten 109 was the cornerstone of the West Indies innings. This century was particularly significant as it was his first against New Zealand, equalling the legendary Brian Lara's West Indies record of 19 ODI hundreds ESPNcricinfo.
• Clinical Kiwi Chase: Despite early setbacks, New Zealand's chase was built on crucial contributions. Devon Conway scored a steady 42, while Mitchell Santner's unbeaten 58 proved decisive in seeing the hosts across the line.
• Series Sealed: With this win, New Zealand took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series, securing the series victory with one game still to play.

Contextual Background: A Rivalry in Transition

The West Indies tour of New Zealand 2025/26 comes at a pivotal time for both teams. For the Black Caps, it's a period of transition and experimentation. With key players like Kane Williamson, Trent Boult, and Tim Southee often unavailable or rested, the series has provided an opportunity for the next generation to step up. Captain Mitchell Santner, leading the side, has had to manage a relatively inexperienced bowling attack while relying on the batting prowess of players like Devon Conway and Daryl Mitchell (who starred in the first ODI).

For the West Indies, the challenges are deeper and more structural. Despite producing some of the most explosive white-ball talent in the world, the team has struggled for consistency in the 50-over format. Shai Hope's appointment as white-ball captain was meant to bring stability and a more measured approach. His individual form has been impeccable – he is arguably the world's premier ODI batsman at the moment – but the challenge has been to translate that into team success.

This series also carries the weight of history. The West Indies have a rich heritage in New Zealand, but recent tours have been difficult. The 2-0 lead for New Zealand underscores the shift in power dynamics in modern cricket. It's a battle between a team looking to build a new dynasty (New Zealand) and a former powerhouse trying to rediscover its winning formula (West Indies).

Immediate Effects: Points Table and Player Morale

The immediate impact of this result is felt most acutely in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup League 2 points table, where every ODI counts towards 2027 World Cup qualification. While the focus is often on bilateral series, these points are crucial for both teams' long-term goals.

For New Zealand, the win is a massive confidence booster. It validates their selection policy and the depth of their domestic system. Players like Michael Bracewell and Mitchell Santner have shown they can handle pressure situations, which will be vital as the team builds towards major global tournaments. The series win allows them to experiment further in the final game, perhaps giving fringe players a run.

For the West Indies, the loss is a significant blow to morale. To come so close, buoyed by a career-defining performance from their captain, only to lose, is soul-destroying. It raises immediate questions about their death bowling and the ability of the middle order to support Hope. The batting, apart from Hope, was inconsistent, and the bowling failed to finish off the job when they were in the driver's seat. The focus now will be on winning the dead rubber in the third ODI to avoid a whitewash and salvage some pride.

Future Outlook: What Lies Ahead?

Looking ahead to the third and final ODI, the stakes are different for each side.

For New Zealand: The primary goal will be to maintain momentum and complete a clean sweep. This would be a resounding statement to the rest of the cricketing world. They might look to give some of their younger talent a chance to impress on the international stage, using the security of the series win to their advantage. The form of Santner and the composure of their young bowling unit will be key takeaways they will want to carry forward.

For the West Indies: The final ODI is now a must-win to restore some pride. They need to find a way to support Shai Hope. Players like Brandon King, Keacy Carty, and Roston Chase need to step up and score substantial runs. With the bat, they have the firepower; it's about application and partnerships. With the ball, they need to be more disciplined in the middle and death overs. A 2-1 series result, while not a victory, would feel vastly different from a 3-0 sweep. The team management will be looking for a response, a display of the characteristic fight and flair that West Indies cricket is known for.

In the broader context, this series highlights the evolving landscape of international cricket. New Zealand continues to be a model of consistency and system-based success. For the West Indies, the journey back to the top remains a work in progress, one that relies heavily on the brilliance of individuals like Shai Hope hoping to spark a collective team flame.