West Indies Defeat New Zealand in First ODI to Lead Series

West Indies opened their ODI series against New Zealand with a seven-wicket victory at Providence Stadium in Guyana, successfully chasing 268 with seven balls remaining. New Zealand posted 267 after being bowled out late in their innings, with Daryl Mitchell leading the visitors’ batting effort with 65 runs from 73 deliveries. Alzarri Joseph and debutant Vitel Lawes helped restrict New Zealand’s scoring momentum, taking four and three wickets respectively as West Indies kept the target within reach.

The West Indies chase was built around a strong partnership between Keacy Carty and captain Shai Hope. Carty produced a match-winning innings of 95 from 112 balls, while Hope added an unbeaten 87 from 92 deliveries to guide the home side through the middle overs. Their partnership steadied the innings after an early wicket and placed West Indies in control before the hosts completed the chase at 268 for three.

The result gives West Indies an early advantage in the three-match ODI series as both teams continue preparations for upcoming international competitions. New Zealand will look to respond in the remaining matches after their total proved insufficient despite contributions from their top order and late-order resistance. The teams will continue the series with the next ODI as New Zealand seeks to level the contest and West Indies aims to extend its lead.

Scorecard

New Zealand – 267 all out (49.5 overs)

• Daryl Mitchell 65 (73)

• Will Young 49 (63)

• Alzarri Joseph 4/41

• Vitel Lawes 3/54

West Indies – 268/3 (48.5 overs)

• Keacy Carty 95 (112)

• Shai Hope 87 (92)

• Sherfane Rutherford 22* (16)

Result: West Indies won by 7 wickets with 7 balls remaining.
Series: West Indies lead three-match ODI series 1-0.

Sources: Information compiled from ESPNcricinfo, Sky Sports Cricket, ICC and other publicly available match reporting.