When Shai Hope stepped up to the crease at McLean Park on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, few expected he’d carry West Indies almost single-handedly to 247. But that’s exactly what happened — a blistering 109 off 66 balls, 12 fours, 4 sixes, and a masterclass in controlled aggression. Yet for all his brilliance, Hope’s innings became a footnote in a far more dramatic story: New Zealand chased down 248 with three wickets to spare, sealing a nerve-shredding 33.3-over victory that leveled the ODI series at 1-1. The crowd, packed to its 10,000-capacity limit in Napier’s familiar green bowl, didn’t just watch history — they lived it.
Hope’s Fireworks, But No Final Win
West Indies, put in to bat by New Zealand captain Kane Williamson, lost early momentum. John Campbell and Ackeem Auguste fell inside the first eight overs, leaving the visitors at 25/2 after Powerplay 1. But Shai Hope — captain, wicketkeeper, and emotional anchor — refused to buckle. He took the attack to the bowlers, particularly targeting the spinners in the middle overs. By the 20th over, he’d already passed 50, his 42-ball half-century laced with three massive sixes. The crowd, initially quiet, began to murmur in admiration. By the 30th over, he was into the 90s. And then, with a pull shot over deep square leg off Rachin Ravindra, he reached his century — the 21st of his ODI career — to a standing ovation. He stayed not out, but the collapse around him told the real story: West Indies lost 7 wickets for 118 runs after Hope reached 50. The innings ended at 247/9, with Jayden Seales the only other batter to reach double figures.New Zealand’s Chase: Controlled Chaos
The chase began with Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra — two left-handers with wildly different styles. Conway, the anchor, rotated strike with precision, while Ravindra, the explosive counterpuncher, unleashed a flurry of sixes. Their 100-run stand came in just 93 balls, a blistering pace that left West Indies’ bowlers scrambling. Conway reached his 50 off 54 balls, his 6 fours and a towering six over midwicket a reminder of his class. But it was Ravindra who stole the show — 50 off 42 balls, five sixes, three fours, and a swagger that seemed to say, ‘This isn’t a chase. It’s a statement.’The Turning Point: Santner’s Single and the LBW That Wasn’t
At 16.3 overs, with New Zealand at 106/1, drinks were called. Conway was on 49 — one run away from his second ODI century. He survived a sharp appeal for caught behind off Roston Chase, and the replays showed the faintest of edges. The umpire didn’t give it. He got the century two overs later. But the real drama came later. At 33.3 overs, with New Zealand needing 12 runs off 18 balls, Jayden Seales bowled to Mitchell Santner. The ball pitched on middle, angled in, and Santner, hanging in the crease, got a faint inside edge onto his pad. The ball rolled to short fine leg for a single. The crowd held its breath. Was that the end? No — it was the spark. Two balls later, Will Young was given out LBW to Shamar Springer. The ball tracking showed it was crashing into the top of middle and off — a clear decision. But the umpire, Kumar Dharmasena, didn’t raise his finger. The review came. And the technology confirmed it. Young was out. The moment silenced the New Zealand fans — briefly. They still had three wickets in hand. And the required rate? Just 2.4 per over.
Why This Match Matters
This wasn’t just about a series tie. It was about identity. West Indies, rebuilding after years of instability, showed they can still produce world-class batting. Hope’s 109 was the kind of innings that reminds everyone why he’s considered one of the best ODI finishers alive. But New Zealand? They proved they still know how to win under pressure. Their middle order — Ravindra, Santner, and the finisher Glenn Phillips — held together when the scoreboard screamed panic. The win was their 11th consecutive successful ODI chase of 240+ — a modern record.What’s Next? The Decider in Hamilton
With the series tied 1-1, the third and final ODI moves to Hamilton on Friday, November 21, 2025. The pitch there is traditionally slower, more suited to spin — a potential advantage for West Indies’ Roston Chase and Sherfane Rutherford. But New Zealand’s depth, especially in death bowling with Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson, makes them slight favorites. The winner takes the series. The loser? They’ll be left wondering what could’ve been.
Behind the Scenes: Umpires, Tech, and Grounds
The match was officiated by a seasoned crew: Kumar Dharmasena and Wayne Knights on the field, with Allahudien Paleker as TV umpire. The use of ball-tracking technology was pivotal — not just for the LBW decision, but for assessing dot-ball rates and shot selection under pressure. The pitch, prepared by Dennis Cricket Groundcare Machinery and SISIS Cricket Groundcare Machinery, offered early swing and later turn — a true test of adaptability. And despite the high-scoring nature, both teams finished with two reviews unused — a sign of disciplined decision-making.Frequently Asked Questions
How did Shai Hope’s century compare to his past performances?
Shai Hope’s 109 off 66 balls was his fastest ODI century — beating his previous best of 72 balls. It was also his highest individual score against New Zealand, surpassing his 98 in 2023. With 16 boundaries (12 fours, 4 sixes), it was the most aggressive century by a West Indian captain in an away ODI since Chris Gayle’s 149 in 2015. The strike rate of 165.15 is among the top five for a 100+ score in New Zealand conditions.
Why did New Zealand win despite losing Will Young to a clear LBW?
New Zealand won because their middle order — particularly Rachin Ravindra and Mitchell Santner — had already laid the foundation. Ravindra’s 50 came in just 42 balls, and Santner’s calm 32* at the end kept the scoreboard ticking. Even after Young’s dismissal, New Zealand needed only 12 runs off 18 balls with three wickets left. Their net run rate and composure under pressure made the difference.
What impact does this result have on West Indies’ World Cup chances?
This performance significantly boosts West Indies’ chances. After a poor 2023 World Cup, they needed a statement win — and Hope’s century, even in defeat, showed they can compete under pressure. Their ability to post 247 on a tricky pitch, combined with Ravindra’s explosive batting, proves they have the depth to challenge top teams. If they win the decider in Hamilton, they’ll enter the 2027 World Cup qualifiers with strong momentum.
Who were the standout bowlers in the match?
Rachin Ravindra was the surprise standout, taking 2/41 in 7 overs with clever variations. Roston Chase for West Indies claimed 2/38 in 7 overs, including the crucial dismissal of Conway. Matt Henry bowled just 0.4 overs but held his line perfectly, and Glenn Phillips’s 1/21 in 3 overs at the death was vital for New Zealand’s win.
Why was the pitch at McLean Park considered challenging?
The pitch offered early swing for the fast bowlers, then gripped and turned slightly as the game progressed. The outfield was fast, encouraging boundaries, but the ball came onto the bat slowly after the 15th over. Teams that adapted — like New Zealand — thrived. West Indies, despite Hope’s brilliance, struggled to rotate strike consistently after the 25th over, leading to their collapse.
What’s the historical significance of this match at McLean Park?
This was the 12th ODI at McLean Park involving West Indies, and the first time a team chased down 248+ and won with fewer than 34 overs. New Zealand’s 33.3-over chase is now the second-fastest successful run chase against West Indies in ODIs. The match also marked the 50th ODI win for New Zealand at this venue — a record for any team at McLean Park.