New Zealand Win Comfortably as Windies Batting Collapses
New Zealand secured a convincing five-wicket victory over West Indies in the second ODI at the Guyana National Stadium on Monday 13 July, chasing down a modest target of 139 with 17 overs and two balls remaining. Having won the toss and elected to field, the Kiwis executed their plan to near perfection, dismissing the hosts for just 138 in 36 overs before wrapping up the chase in 32.4 overs. For those following the series markets, this result will have shortened New Zealand's odds considerably for the series win, as they now hold a commanding advantage heading into the remaining matches.
West Indies Struggle to Build Any Momentum with the Bat
The West Indies innings never truly found its footing. Openers John Campbell and Ackeem Auguste fell in quick succession either side of the 11th over, with the score on 66, and from that point the innings stuttered rather than surged. Shai Hope, the captain and wicketkeeper, contributed only 7 from 16 balls before becoming one of four victims for the impressive Jayden Lennox. Sherfane Rutherford offered brief promise before departing for 8, while Amir Jangoo's 24 off 41 balls — one of the more measured efforts — proved only a temporary stay of execution. The final total of 138 all out owed much to a frustrating lower-order resistance from Khary Pierre, who remained unbeaten on 7 from 22 balls. Ten extras, including nine wides, added to what was a collective failure with the bat.
Lennox and Bracewell Lead New Zealand's Bowling Attack
New Zealand's bowling attack was disciplined throughout. Jayden Lennox was the standout performer, claiming five wickets from his eight overs for just 19 runs — an economy rate of 2.37 that tells its own story. Michael Bracewell chipped in with two wickets from nine overs for 51 runs, while Mitch Santner's left-arm spin yielded two wickets from seven tight overs at just three runs per over. Duffy and Fisher's opening spells were economical if not spectacular, setting the tone for what was a thoroughly professional bowling display. As a former coach, I found the control from the spin duo particularly impressive on what looked a surface with something to offer the slow bowlers.
Latham and Mitchell Guide the Chase Home
New Zealand's chase was far from flawless. They slipped to 96 for five at one point, losing Will Young, Mark Chapman, Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell and Dean Foxcroft along the way. Chapman was unfortunate to be run out for a golden duck inside the first two overs of the chase, and the middle order wobbled briefly before Tom Latham and Michael Bracewell steadied the ship. Latham finished unbeaten on 37 from 61 deliveries, while Bracewell hit an unbeaten 24 from 26 balls to see New Zealand home with plenty of time to spare. Khary Pierre was the pick of the West Indies bowlers, conceding 33 from his nine overs, but ultimately 138 was simply too few to defend.
New Zealand were the better side in all three disciplines and will head into the next match with confidence and momentum. West Indies, by contrast, must address their batting fragility urgently if they are to level the series. On this showing, the tourists look well worth backing to continue their winning form.
