In a commanding performance that epitomised home dominance, New Zealand secured the final T20 against the West Indies by eight wickets in Dunedin, thereby clinching the five-match series 3–1. Captain Mitchell Santner oversaw a composed chase, with his side comfortably reaching 141 in just 18.4 overs.
The West Indies, opting to bat first after losing the toss, were left reeling on a pitch that offered significant assistance to seamers. Within the first three overs, they had lost four wickets for just 21 runs, leaving the middle order to pick up the pieces. Roston Chase’s 38 and Romario Shepherd’s 36 provided fleeting hope, but the visitors managed only a total of 140.
Jacob Duffy was the standout performer with the ball, claiming four vital wickets for 35 runs from his quota of four overs. His devastating spell earned him the Player of the Match and Player of the Series awards. Jimmy Neesham supported with two wickets, maintaining relentless pressure throughout West Indies’ innings.
New Zealand’s run chase began with an electrifying opening partnership. Tim Robinson’s 45 off just 24 deliveries and Devon Conway’s patient 47 not out set the stage for an authoritative chase. Rachin Ravindra and Mark Chapman chipped in with 21 runs each, ensuring a comfortable and efficient victory.
The University Oval in Dunedin has now witnessed 18 consecutive wins for New Zealand, setting a global record for most victories at a single venue without defeat. The Kiwis’ dominance at home continues to grow, leaving opposition teams struggling to cope with their precision and tactical awareness.
West Indies had shown flashes of brilliance earlier in the series, claiming a thrilling victory in the opener and narrowly losing two close matches. Yet, their lack of consistency was exposed once again in this final game. New Zealand, by contrast, executed their game plan with perfect discipline, underlining why they remain one of the most formidable sides in T20 cricket on their home turf.