AI Simulation, NZ vs WI | Black Caps seal series with five-wicket win as Conway anchors chase

Pitch and Weather

University Oval offered a balanced surface with early seam movement for pacers and predictable bounce for batters. Spinners came into play during the middle overs, while cool temperatures of around 15 °C and a light drizzle along with moderate winds (~25 km/h) tested players’ timing and swing control. 

Toss

West Indies won the toss and opted to bowl first, aiming to capitalize on early conditions and put New Zealand under pressure during the chase.

Lineups

New Zealand: Tim Robinson, Devon Conway (wk), Rachin Ravindra, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner (c), Kyle Jamieson, Jacob Duffy, Ish Sodhi

West Indies: Alick Athanaze, Amir Jangoo, Shai Hope (c & wk), Ackeem Auguste, Sherfane Rutherford, Rovman Powell, Roston Chase, Romario Shepherd, Shamar Springer, Matthew Forde, Jayden Seales

Match Report

West Indies’ innings started steadily as Alick Athanaze and Amir Jangoo negotiated the early overs with caution. Shai Hope, however, took charge in the middle overs, striking 38 off 29 balls, supported by Sherfane Rutherford’s brisk 26, bringing some momentum into the innings. Despite a late flourish from Rovman Powell and Romario Shepherd, wickets fell at regular intervals, largely due to incisive spells from Jacob Duffy and Kyle Jamieson. Ish Sodhi provided crucial control in the middle overs, and West Indies were eventually restricted to 162/8 in 20 overs.

New Zealand’s chase was anchored by a confident opening stand between Tim Robinson and Devon Conway. The duo added 97 for the first wicket, with Conway’s fluent 52 off 35 balls setting the platform for the remainder of the innings. Mark Chapman and Rachin Ravindra provided timely support, while Daryl Mitchell accelerated the scoring in the latter stages with 21 off 12 balls. West Indies’ bowlers, including Roston Chase, Jayden Seales, and Romario Shepherd, struck intermittently but were unable to stem the flow of runs. With three balls to spare, the Black Caps reached 163/5 to secure a five-wicket victory, confirming their series win at home.

The win highlighted New Zealand’s composure under pressure and ability to chase effectively on a balanced surface, while West Indies showcased flashes of brilliance but were ultimately inconsistent with both bat and ball.

Player of the Match

Devon Conway was named player of the match for his 52-run anchor innings, providing the foundation for a tense yet successful chase.

Scorecard