Henry and Chapman Shine as New Zealand Complete 3–0 Sweep of West Indies

New Zealand capped off a dominant home season with a comprehensive 3–0 series win over the West Indies, clinching the final ODI in Hamilton with a commanding four-wicket victory. The hosts’ four-man pace battery dismantled a fragile West Indies batting line-up, bundling them out for just 161 and underlining why New Zealand have lost only two ODIs at home since 2020. Their 11th consecutive bilateral ODI series win at home is now second only to South Africa’s record run of 17.

Henry Leads Bowling Carnage

Opting to bat first, West Indies never found stability. Matt Henry spearheaded the assault, claiming 4 for 43, while Kyle Jamieson, Jacob Duffy and Zak Foulkes—playing in place of the injured Nathan Smith—shared four wickets between them.

Henry struck twice in the fifth over, removing young opener Ackeem Auguste for 17 and Keacy Carty for a duck. Jamieson joined the act, generating awkward bounce to dismiss John Campbell for 26. With Shai Hope edged out for 16 by Foulkes, West Indies crashed to 77 for 4.

New Zealand’s quicks maintained relentless pressure with cross-seam and scrambled-seam variations, using the Seddon Park surface expertly despite modest swing on offer. Roston Chase, the only batter to cross 25 besides Campbell, was softened up by Jamieson before Henry claimed him with a top-edge. Lower-order resistance was brief, ending when Henry closed the innings at 161 with nearly 14 overs left unused.

Mitchell Santner provided crucial support with the ball, striking twice in his first over to remove Justin Greaves and Matthew Forde.

Chapman and Bracewell Steady Nerves

New Zealand’s chase, however, was far from straightforward. Without injured No.1 ODI batter Daryl Mitchell, they lost Devon Conway, Will Young and Rachin Ravindra within 11 overs, and Tom Latham soon after, stumbling to 70 for 4.

Mark Chapman and Michael Bracewell then produced the match-defining partnership. Chapman overcame a slow start—13 off 29—to blast 64 off 63 balls, including a destructive 4,6,4,4 sequence off Forde that shifted momentum firmly in New Zealand’s favour. Bracewell matched his aggression, contributing to a rapid 75-run stand in just 48 balls.

Their counterattack effectively neutralised left-arm spinner Khary Pierre, who was inexplicably unused throughout the innings and played only as a fielder.

Chapman and Santner fell near the finish line, but Bracewell—unbeaten—guided the chase comfortably with Foulkes, securing victory with nearly 20 overs remaining.

A Statement Series for New Zealand

The 3–0 sweep further solidifies New Zealand’s stature as a formidable ODI side at home. With a potent pace unit, adaptable middle order, and a deep bench despite injuries to Mitchell and Smith, the Black Caps once again demonstrated control and resilience.

For the West Indies, issues with batting depth and handling pace remain glaring, exacerbated by injuries to Romario Shepherd and others. Their search for stability on foreign conditions continues.