Jayden Lennox’s Five-Wicket Haul Powers New Zealand to Series-Levelling Win Over West Indies
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
PROVIDENCE, Guyana: Spinner Jayden Lennox produced a career-best performance to help New Zealand secure a convincing five-wicket victory over the West Indies in the second One-Day International at Providence Stadium, leveling the five-match series at 1-1.
Lennox claimed his maiden five-wicket haul in ODI cricket as the West Indies suffered a dramatic batting collapse, losing all 10 wickets for just 75 runs after a strong opening partnership. The hosts were bowled out for 138 in 36 overs.
New Zealand successfully chased the modest target, reaching 141-5 in 32.4 overs with more than 17 overs remaining. Tom Latham anchored the innings with an unbeaten 37, while Michael Bracewell contributed an unbeaten 24 as the pair guided their side home after a brief middle-order wobble.
The victory marked New Zealand’s 400th win in One-Day International cricket, an important milestone for the team after losing the opening match of the series by seven wickets.
Lennox Leads New Zealand’s Bowling Attack
Making only his seventh ODI appearance after debuting internationally at the age of 31, left-arm spinner Jayden Lennox delivered a memorable spell of 5 wickets for 19 runs in eight overs. It was one of the finest bowling performances by a New Zealand spinner in ODI history.
West Indies looked comfortable at 63 without loss thanks to opener John Campbell’s 43 and Akeem Auguste’s 18. However, Lennox sparked a collapse that completely changed the momentum of the match.
Captain Shai Hope managed only seven runs before being dismissed by Lennox, while fellow spinner Mitchell Santner removed Keacy Carty for 18. Amir Jangoo’s 24 was the only notable contribution from the middle order as wickets continued to fall at regular intervals.
Bracewell also impressed with the ball, taking two wickets to support the spin attack.
Latham Holds Firm During Chase
New Zealand made a positive start through Will Young (28) and Henry Nicholls (17), but quick wickets briefly put the visitors under pressure.
Mark Chapman was run out without scoring, while Daryl Mitchell contributed 28 before being stumped after attempting an aggressive shot against Khary Pierre. Dean Foxcroft also fell cheaply, leaving New Zealand at 96-5.
Experienced wicketkeeper-batter Tom Latham remained composed throughout the chase, sharing an unbeaten partnership with Bracewell to guide New Zealand safely to victory.
Bracewell also crossed the milestone of 1,000 ODI runs during the innings.
Series Level at 1-1
With the comprehensive win, New Zealand bounced back strongly after their opening defeat and squared the five-match ODI series at one win each. Both teams will now turn their attention to the third ODI as they look to gain the upper hand in the contest.
Player of the Match: Jayden Lennox (5-19)
