New Zealand completed a commanding 3–0 series sweep over West Indies with a four-wicket victory in the third ODI at Seddon Park, Hamilton, further solidifying their formidable home record. Remarkably, the Black Caps have lost only two ODIs at home since the start of 2020, and their 11th consecutive home bilateral ODI series win is now second only to South Africa’s run of 17.
Clinical Bowling Cripples West Indies
New Zealand’s four-pronged pace attack proved too much for the inexperienced West Indies batting line-up, skittling them for 161 after they chose to bat. Matt Henry led the assault with figures of 4 for 43, supported by Kyle Jamieson, Jacob Duffy, and Zak Foulkes, who replaced the injured Nathan Smith.
The visitors left nearly 14 overs unused, with Roston Chase (38) and John Campbell (26) providing the only notable resistance. Injuries to Romario Shepherd and general inconsistency further weakened the visitors’ depth and resilience.
Henry triggered early damage, removing Ackeem Auguste and Keacy Carty in the same over. Jamieson continued the pressure, generating bounce and seam movement to dismiss Campbell, before Foulkes struck to remove captain Shai Hope for 16, strangled down the leg side. West Indies slumped to 77 for 4, and repeated short-ball pressure accounted for Rutherford, Chase, and Springer. A brief last-wicket stand between Khary Pierre and Jayden Seales (18 runs) only delayed the inevitable.
Chapman, Bracewell Steady Nerves in the Chase
Chasing 162, New Zealand were far from clinical early on. Seales and Matthew Forde bowled with discipline, removing Devon Conway, Will Young, and Rachin Ravindra to leave the Black Caps vulnerable at 70 for 4. Roston Chase added pressure by dismissing Tom Latham.
But Mark Chapman (64 off 63) and Michael Bracewell (40 off 28)* rebuilt with calm authority. Their 75-run partnership off just 48 balls effectively shut West Indies out of the contest. Chapman overcame a slow start—13 off 29 at one stage—before exploding, taking 18 runs off a single Forde over.
Though Chapman and captain Mitchell Santner fell near the finish line, Bracewell and Foulkes saw New Zealand home at 162 for 6 with almost 20 overs to spare.
Relentless Home Dominance
New Zealand’s clean sweep underscores their sustained dominance on home soil, achieved despite the absence of No. 1-ranked ODI batter Daryl Mitchell. Their blend of disciplined fast bowling, tactical nous, and middle-order stability once again proved too much for an inconsistent West Indies team.