New Zealand sweep West Indies ODI series with convincing win

AFP/APP

Hamilton: Matt Henry claimed 4-43 and Mark Chapman struck a composed 64 as New Zealand sealed a 3-0 series sweep with a four-wicket win over the West Indies in the third one-day international on Saturday.

The West Indies’ top order faltered yet again, bowled out for just 161 at Seddon Park. New Zealand, despite losing early wickets, comfortably chased down the target with 162-6 in 30.2 overs.

The hosts were struggling at 32-3 before Chapman steadied the innings, supported by an unbeaten 40 from Michael Bracewell. Their 75-run partnership for the fifth wicket ensured a smooth finish in what proved to be the most one-sided match of the series.

The Black Caps now head into a three-Test series beginning in Christchurch on December 2, following this 3-0 ODI sweep and a 3-1 victory in the T20 series.

Henry, expected to play a major role in the upcoming Tests, said the team was eager to carry their momentum forward.

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“It’s an exciting little stretch of cricket coming up,” he said. “We’ve been playing really good cricket and winning key moments. Everyone’s stepping up in different ways.”

The West Indies, who won the toss, again failed to adapt to conditions. Captain Shai Hope — who scored a century in the second ODI — admitted the batting collapse, lasting just 36.2 overs, was unacceptable.

“We’re just not clicking with the bat,” he said. “We didn’t assess the conditions or adapt quickly enough. We couldn’t get that flow or momentum.”

Henry dented the visitors early, removing Ackeem Auguste for 17 and Keacy Carty for a duck in the same over. Wickets continued to tumble, including Hope, who was caught down the leg side for 16 off Zak Foulkes.

With the West Indies reeling at 95-7, Roston Chase offered resistance with a fighting 38 before falling to Henry.

New Zealand’s chase also began shakily as Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra and Will Young were dismissed cheaply. But Chapman took charge, smashing 19 runs off Matthew Forde in the 27th over and reaching his seventh ODI fifty. His 63-ball innings included eight fours and two sixes.