Santner and Chapman Lead New Zealand to Dramatic One-Wicket Victory and Series Clincher

New Zealand 189 for 9 (Chapman 80, Santner 34*, Motie 5-47) beat West Indies 188 (Jangoo 51, Motie 41, Fisher 3-40, Santner 2-36) by one wicket

While global attention centered on the football World Cup final in New Jersey, the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown served as a backdrop for a tense encounter as New Zealand and the West Indies engaged in a low-scoring thriller.

Despite a competitive bowling performance from the West Indies, they ultimately struggled to defend a modest total on a slow, two-paced surface. New Zealand secured a breathtaking one-wicket victory, clinching an unassailable 3-1 lead in the five-match series.

Captain Mitchell Santner proved to be the hero, guiding the lower order with a composed, unbeaten 34. He found vital support from Jayden Lennox, who, having been named player of the match in the previous two outings for his bowling, provided a resilient nine-run stand to anchor the finish.

The match reached a fever pitch with three runs required, as Jayden Seales deceived Santner with a brilliant slower ball. A mistimed lofted drive over extra cover could have ended the contest, but a collision between fielders Ackeen Auguste and Justin Greaves prevented a crucial catch.

Further drama unfolded in the 45th over by left-arm wrist spinner Vitel Lawes, where a close LBW appeal against Santner was ruled out by DRS. Shortly after, a lofted hit over cover secured the victory for the visitors.

Mitchell Santner had Ackeem Auguste lbw via DRS•AFP/Getty Images

Mark Chapman was the other standout performer for New Zealand. His rapid 80 off 82 balls provided crucial momentum during the middle overs. Entering the crease at 6 for 2, Chapman stabilized the innings through partnerships with Will Young and Tom Latham before transforming the game with an aggressive counter-attacking phase.

After Chapman fell to a sharp boundary catch from Sherfane Rutherford, the West Indies tightened their grip, conceding only seven runs in 22 balls before a brief rain delay.

Post-rain, the contest intensified as Gudakesh Motie’s clinical left-arm spin dismantled the New Zealand lower order, including the wickets of Jacob Duffy and Matthew Fisher, to secure a five-wicket haul. With 40 runs still needed, the match was on a knife-edge.

However, Santner remained undeterred. After hitting a massive six off Motie to bring the target down to 18, he proceeded to score every remaining run required to finish the game, while also contributing 2 for 36 with the ball.

Earlier, the West Indies hoped to level the series, but their innings struggled to gain momentum. After losing key wickets including captain Shai Hope to Matthew Fisher, the hosts relied on an 81-run partnership between Amir Jangoo and Gudakesh Motie to offer a fighting response, though they ultimately fell just short of the required total.