The fourth T20I between New Zealand and the West Indies concluded in a draw due to heavy rain, leaving the hosts leading the five-match series 2-1. Mitchell Santner, New Zealand’s captain, won the toss and chose to bat first, making one change: Mark Chapman replaced Mitchell Hay. The West Indies also made a change, selecting the experienced Roston Chase over Akeal Hosein.
The visitors started carefully, scoring slowly in the opening two overs before gaining momentum in the next three, totaling 30 runs in five overs. However, rain delayed play for the first time before it resumed shortly. Soon after the restart, James Neesham made an instant impact by removing Alick Athanaze for 21 off 18 balls.
Unfortunately, just as the powerplay ended, rain returned, leaving the West Indies on 38 for 1 in 6.3 overs. The deluge became more intense, and play was unable to restart, leading officials to call off the match.
As a result, the fourth T20I was canceled, and the hosts maintained their 2-1 series lead going into the final game.
Earlier in the series, the West Indies won the first T20I by seven runs, thanks to Shai Hope’s 53 and an excellent bowling performance led by Roston Chase, who collected three for 26 and was named Player of the Match. Despite Mitchell Santner’s undefeated 55, New Zealand fell short of their target.
Chapman excelled in the second match, scoring 78 off 28 balls to help the BlackCaps win and tie the series. The bowlers complemented his innings with disciplined performances.
The hosts won the third match as well, with Kiwi bowlers making vital breakthroughs. Ish Sodhi took 3 for 34, making him the third-highest wicket-taker in T20Is. Despite a late comeback from Romario Shepherd and Akeal Hosein, who scored 72 runs for the tenth wicket, the Caribbean team fell short of their target.
With the series still alive, the fifth and final T20I will take place on November 13 at Dunedin’s University Oval. The hosts will attempt to win the series, while the visiting army hopes to even it up at 2-2 before moving on to the 50-over format.
India
