Keacy Carty and Shai Hope Lead West Indies to Comfortable Win Over New Zealand in First ODI
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
The West Indies began their five-match One-Day International (ODI) series against New Zealand with a convincing seven-wicket victory at Providence Stadium in Guyana, taking a 1-0 lead in the series.
A composed batting display from Keacy Carty and captain Shai Hope guided the hosts to their target of 268 with seven balls to spare after New Zealand posted 267 all out.
Carty Falls Just Short of Century
Keacy Carty played a match-winning innings of 95 runs, narrowly missing out on a century. He shared a crucial 131-run partnership with skipper Shai Hope for the third wicket, putting the West Indies in complete control of the run chase.
Hope remained unbeaten on 87, anchoring the innings with a calm and measured approach before finishing the match alongside Sherfane Rutherford, who contributed an unbeaten 22 runs.
The West Indies maintained a steady scoring rate throughout the chase and rarely appeared under pressure, comfortably reaching the target in the 49th over.
New Zealand Lose Momentum Late in Innings
After being asked to bat first, New Zealand made a solid start but were unable to convert it into a larger total.
Daryl Mitchell top-scored with 65, while Will Young added 49 and helped build an 80-run opening partnership with Henry Nicholls, who scored 27.
Several middle-order batters got starts, including Michael Bracewell (29), Mark Chapman (27), Tom Latham (25), and Mitchell Santner (21), but none were able to produce a big innings.
New Zealand looked on course for a total above 300 before suffering a late collapse, losing their final six wickets for just 33 runs.
Bowlers Set Up the Victory
West Indies debutant Vitel Lawes impressed with the ball, taking 3 wickets for 54 runs and making an immediate impact in his first ODI appearance.
Alzarri Joseph also played a key role, claiming 4 wickets to help restrict New Zealand’s innings during the closing overs.
Hope Seals the Chase
During the run chase, Hope and Rutherford ensured there were no late scares. With the target within reach, Hope struck a six early in the 49th over before Rutherford finished the contest with another maximum.
Series Continues in Guyana
The second ODI of the five-match series will also be played at Providence Stadium, where New Zealand will look to level the series and West Indies will aim to extend their advantage.
Match Summary
- New Zealand: 267 all out (49.5 overs)
- West Indies: 268/3 (48.5 overs)
- Result: West Indies won by 7 wickets
- Player of the Match: Keacy Carty
- Series: West Indies lead the five-match ODI series 1-0.
