The West Indies bowled superbly in defense of a moderate total to beat New Zealand by seven runs on Wednesday in the first game of a five-match Twenty20 series. Captain Shai Hope top-scored with 53 from 39 balls as the West Indies made 164-6 after losing the toss and batting first on a pitch that was two-paced and unpredictable.

The Black Caps have held on and avoided a late scare to even the Twenty20 series up at 1-1 with a thrilling three-run win at Eden Park. In the highest scoring T20 between the two nations, chasing 208 to win the West Indies needed six off the final three balls before Kyle Jamieson held his nerve to secure the win.

New Zealand hosts West Indies for a five-match T20I series as both teams prep for the 2026 T20 World Cup. Key players like Conway, Mitchell, King, and Rutherford promise thrilling performances.

The team that pioneered the freelance player meets the team that's best adapted to that revolution with a T20 World Cup looming | ESPN.com