### New Zealand's Thrilling Comeback: Chapman's Heroics Level T20 Series Against West Indies In a gripping encounter at Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand managed to secure a narrow victory over the West Indies by just three runs, leveling the T20 series at 1-1. Mark Chapman emerged as the star of the match, delivering an explosive performance with a remarkable 78 runs off just 28 balls. This victory came after the West Indies had previously claimed a historic win in the first T20I, marking their first outright victory against New Zealand in T20Is played in New Zealand [https://www.yardbarker.com/cricket/articles/nz_vs_wi_2025_west_indies_bag_maiden_outright_win_against_new_zealand_in_new_zealand_in_t20is/s1_17728_43023742]. ### Breakdown of the Match Dynamics 1. **Match Overview**: - New Zealand batted first, scoring 207 runs for the loss of 5 wickets. - The West Indies, in their chase, fell short by three runs, finishing at 204 runs for 8 wickets. 2. **Key Performers**: - **Mark Chapman**: His explosive innings included a half-century off just 19 balls, which was pivotal in setting a challenging target for the West Indies [https://www.newsday.com/sports/new-zealand-west-indies-2nd-t20-i85298]. - **Bowling Highlights**: Ish Sodhi and Mitchell Santner played crucial roles in restricting the West Indies during their innings, with both bowlers taking three wickets each [https://www.timesnownews.com/sports/cricket/new-zealand-vs-west-indies-2nd-odi-nz-vs-wi-match-new-zealand-national-cricket-team-vs-west-indies-cricket-team-scorecard-commentary-liveblog-153108937]. 3. **Clutch Moments**: - The West Indies were in a precarious position at 93/6 but mounted a fierce comeback led by Rovman Powell and Romario Shepherd, who nearly clinched the match [https://www.yardbarker.com/cricket/articles/nz_survive_scare_in_2nd_t20i_beat_windies_by_3_runs_to_level_series/s1_17725_43023956]. - In the final over, with 7 runs needed off 4 balls, Kyle Jamieson held his nerve, using a slower ball to secure the win for New Zealand [https://www.crictips.com/news/chapmans-heroics-kiwis-survive-scare-level-t20-series-195157]. ### Supporting Evidence and Statistics - **Match Statistics**: - New Zealand: 207/5 in 20 overs - West Indies: 204/8 in 20 overs - **Chapman's Performance**: 78 runs off 28 balls, including 6 sixes and 4 fours [https://www.bhaskarenglish.in/sports/cricket/news/new-zealand-defeated-windies-by-3-runs-in-2nd-t20i-in-auckland-mark-chaoman-scores-half-century-nz-vs-wi-136350929.html]. - **Bowling Figures**: Ish Sodhi and Mitchell Santner each took 3 wickets, crucial in maintaining pressure on the West Indies [https://www.yardbarker.com/cricket/articles/nz_vs_wi_2025_west_indies_bag_maiden_outright_win_against_new_zealand_in_new_zealand_in_t20is/s1_17728_43023742]. ### Conclusion: A Nail-Biting Finish The second T20I between New Zealand and the West Indies was a thrilling contest that showcased the resilience and skill of both teams. **New Zealand's victory by three runs not only leveled the series but also highlighted Mark Chapman's explosive batting and the team's ability to defend a substantial total under pressure**. 1. **Key Takeaway**: New Zealand's ability to hold off a late charge from the West Indies demonstrates their competitive spirit and depth in both batting and bowling. 2. **Next Steps**: The series now moves to the third T20I, where both teams will look to gain the upper hand in this closely contested series [https://www.timesnownews.com/sports/cricket/new-zealand-vs-west-indies-2nd-odi-nz-vs-wi-match-new-zealand-national-cricket-team-vs-west-indies-cricket-team-scorecard-commentary-liveblog-153108937].