On November 22, 2025, New Zealand completed a stunning 3-0 ODI series sweep over West Indies with a nail-biting four-wicket victory at Hamilton’s Seddon Park. Chasing 162, the New Zealand team survived a middle-order collapse and held their nerve in the final overs, sealing the win with 117 balls to spare. The triumph wasn’t just about the result—it was a statement. This was New Zealand’s 11th consecutive bilateral ODI series win on home soil, a run of dominance that’s becoming the new normal for the Kiwis.
West Indies collapse under pressure
It was never meant to be this easy. West Indies won the toss and chose to bat, but their innings unraveled before it could even find rhythm. At 95 for 7 after just 19 overs, they looked like they were heading for a total in the 180s—then they lost their last three wickets for just 11 more runs. Captain Shai Hope, who had carried the team in previous matches, fell for 16 off 18 balls, and the middle order never recovered. Only Roston Chase offered resistance with 38 off 51, but even he couldn’t stem the tide. The bowling attack, led by Matt Henry (4/28), was clinical. Jacob Duffy and captain Mitchell Santner chipped in with two wickets each, while Kyle Jamieson and Jacaré Foulkes delivered crucial breakthroughs. The powerplay was a disaster: West Indies lost three wickets for 27 runs and never regained momentum.
New Zealand’s fightback
The Kiwis’ chase began in chaos. Openers Devon Conway (11), Rachin Ravindra (14), and Will Young (3) were all back in the hut before the 10th over. At 70 for 4, with Santner falling to Chase, the pressure was immense. But here’s where the game changed: Mark Chapman and Michael Bracewell stepped up. Chapman, calm under fire, carved out a 63-ball 64 with eight boundaries and two sixes. Bracewell, the unsung hero, smashed 40 not out off just 31 balls—pure aggression with purpose. Their 75-run partnership turned the tide. The defining moment came in the 27th over when Chapman took Matthew Ford to the cleaners: four consecutive fours, then a towering six over long-on. The crowd roared. The West Indies bowlers looked exhausted.
Player of the Match and Series
Matt Henry was deservedly named Player of the Match—his 4-28 was the most economical spell of the series. But the real story was Kyle Jamieson, who took 12 wickets across the three ODIs at an average of 14.83. He didn’t just take wickets—he broke partnerships, disrupted rhythm, and kept the ball swinging late. His consistency was the backbone of New Zealand’s dominance. Meanwhile, West Indies’ captain Shai Hope now faces mounting scrutiny. In three ODIs, he scored just 49 runs at 16.33. It’s not just about form—it’s about leadership under pressure. The Caribbean side looks adrift without a clear identity in white-ball cricket.
Historic home dominance
Eleven straight home ODI series wins. That’s not luck. That’s culture. New Zealand’s record at home since 2019 has been unmatched in the modern era. They’ve beaten England, Australia, India, South Africa, and now West Indies—all on their own turf. Their strength? Depth. Balance. Composure. Even when their top order falters, someone steps up. This time, it was Chapman and Bracewell. Last series, it was Devon Conway and Kane Williamson. The system works. And it’s not just about talent—it’s about belief. The Kiwis don’t panic. They trust their process. Even when they’re 70 for 4, they know the next 50 runs are theirs.
What’s next? The Test series begins
With the white-ball leg complete, attention shifts to red-ball cricket. On December 2, 2025, the two teams meet at Christchurch’s Hagley Oval for the first of three Tests in the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27Christchurch. New Zealand will look to extend their home Test dominance, while West Indies need to find stability. For Hope, it’s a chance to redeem himself. For Santner, it’s another opportunity to lead a team that’s quietly becoming one of the most feared in the world. And for fans? It’s a rare treat: two contrasting styles clashing—New Zealand’s precision versus West Indies’ flair.
Behind the scenes
The New Zealand Cricket Board, headquartered in Wellington, has invested heavily in player development, especially in spin and death bowling. Their academy system produces all-rounders who can bat in the top six and bowl in the powerplay. West Indies, by contrast, still struggles with structure. Their board, based in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, has seen leadership turnover, funding issues, and a disconnect between domestic and international cricket. The gap isn’t just in skill—it’s in systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
How significant is New Zealand’s 11th straight home ODI series win?
It’s the longest such streak by any nation in the last 25 years. Only Australia (1998–2004) and South Africa (2004–2009) have come close. New Zealand’s consistency under pressure, especially against touring sides, has turned Seddon Park and Eden Park into fortresses. Their win rate at home since 2019 is 87%—the highest in ODI cricket.
Why did West Indies struggle so badly in this series?
West Indies lost their top order early in all three matches, and their middle order lacked the discipline to rebuild. Their spinners, usually a strength, were hit for over 7.5 runs per over. Captain Shai Hope’s poor form (49 runs in three innings) exposed a lack of leadership depth. Without a clear batting order or bowling strategy, they looked reactive, not proactive.
What role did Kyle Jamieson play in the series?
Jamieson took 12 wickets at 14.83 across the three ODIs, including a 5-wicket haul in the second match. His height and swing made him lethal in the powerplay and death overs. He didn’t just take wickets—he forced errors. His presence allowed Santner and Henry to rotate more freely, creating constant pressure. He’s now the most consistent all-format bowler in New Zealand’s squad.
How does this win affect New Zealand’s World Test Championship chances?
Winning the ODI series boosts morale and gives the team momentum heading into the Test series. New Zealand currently sits fourth in the WTC 2025-27 standings. A strong performance in Christchurch could push them into the top three, especially if they beat West Indies in all three Tests. Their home record in Tests since 2020 is 11 wins in 14 matches.
Who are the key players to watch in the upcoming Test series?
For New Zealand, Kane Williamson (returning from injury) and Tim Southee will lead the charge. For West Indies, Roston Chase and Alzarri Joseph are critical. Chase must bat like a top-order stalwart, not a finisher. Joseph, with his pace and swing, could exploit Hagley Oval’s green pitch. If either side gets early breakthroughs, they’ll control the match.
What does this series mean for West Indies cricket?
It’s another wake-up call. West Indies have lost 10 of their last 12 bilateral ODI series against full-member nations. Without structural reforms—better domestic leagues, consistent selection, and leadership stability—they risk falling behind even further. The board needs to act fast, or their international relevance will keep slipping.