Thrilling Win for New Zealand as Daryl Mitchell Scores Century

Daryl Mitchell’s brilliant century powered New Zealand to a thrilling seven-run victory over the West Indies in the first ODI. With this win at Hagley Oval on Sunday, the hosts took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Batting first after losing the toss, New Zealand posted 269/7. Mitchell anchored the innings, scoring an outstanding 119 off 118 balls, marking his seventh ODI century.

From the start of the innings, Kiwi batters struggled against the West Indies’ short-pitched deliveries and extra bounce. The first four wickets fell to wicketkeeper Shai Hope’s gloves. In the seventh over, Matt Forde dismissed Rachin Ravindra (4) and Will Young with consecutive deliveries, the latter falling for a golden duck.

Mitchell came to the crease at 24 for 2 and rescued the innings with crucial partnerships of 67 with Devon Conway (49) and 69 with Michael Bracewell (35). Despite picking up an injury while on 79 in the 41st over, he continued undeterred, reaching his half-century off 61 balls and completing his century off 107 balls, hitting 12 fours and 2 sixes.

Chasing a target, the West Indies fell under pressure early. John Campbell (4) was dismissed quickly, and a slow 60-run partnership over 18 overs between Alick Athenaze (29) and Keacy Carty (32) left the visitors behind the required run rate.

Captain Shai Hope (37) tried to accelerate, but the main challenge came from Sherfane Rutherford’s 55. His dismissal in the 46th over again increased the pressure on the tourists.

In the final stages, a quickfire stand of 38 off 24 balls by Justin Greaves* and 26 off 19 by Romario Shepherd* brought the match to the last over. The West Indies needed 9 runs off the final two balls, but Jacob Duffy held his nerve, restricting them and finishing the innings at 262/6.