West Indies fail to score 7 runs in 4 balls:New Zealand defeated Windies by 3 runs; T20I series levelled 1-1

New Zealand pulled off a nail-biting three-run win over the West Indies in the second T20I on Thursday, leveling the three-match series 1-1. The star of the night was Mark Chapman, who produced a breathtaking knock of 78 runs off just 28 balls, leading the Kiwis to a massive total of 207-5. His explosive batting display completely changed the momentum of the match and set up an exciting contest in the Caribbean. Sent in to bat first, New Zealand looked steady early on before Chapman unleashed his assault. His fifty came in just 19 balls, one of the fastest in recent memory for the Kiwis. From the ninth to the 16th over, New Zealand smashed 100 runs, thanks largely to Chapman’s fireworks. He struck six boundaries and seven sixes, dominating the bowlers with clean and fearless hitting. Daryl Mitchell chipped in with an unbeaten 28 off 14 balls, while Tim Robinson contributed 39 at the top of the order. With the series now tied 1-1, both teams will face off again in back-to-back matches in Nelson on Sunday and Monday, setting the stage for an exciting series decider. Chapman’s carnage turns the game for the Kiwis Chapman’s destruction began in the 13th over when he hammered Romario Shepherd for 24 runs, including three towering sixes. Two overs later, he took on Jayden Seales, smashing four boundaries and a six in an over worth 26 runs. New Zealand’s total jumped from 83-2 after 12 overs to 163-3 by the 16th, showcasing the impact of Chapman’s onslaught. Despite his dismissal in the 17th over, caught by Jason Holder off his own bowling, the damage had been done. WI fight back late, Powell’s 45 goes in vain Chasing 208, the West Indies faltered early against New Zealand’s spin trio and were reduced to 94-6 after 13 overs. However, the lower order launched a stunning counterattack. Rovman Powell (45 off 16), Romario Shepherd (34 off 16), and Matthew Forde (29 not out off 13) kept the hosts alive till the final over. With 16 needed off the last six balls, Kyle Jamieson held his nerve despite a few nervous moments, conceding only 13 runs to seal a thrilling win for New Zealand. Chapman, who also took three catches in the innings, was named Player of the Match. Speaking after the game, he said, “The West Indies boys, they’re so strong they’re never really out of the game. It was amazing that the boys held their nerve at the end.”