West Indies' seven-run win against New Zealand in the series-opening clash at the Eden Park on Wednesday, November 5, was not just any ordinary win. This was the first time they won against the Kiwis on an outright basis in a T20I played in New Zealand. The Windies had previously won a T20I in Auckland via a Super Over finish in 2008.
Their defence of 164/6 also became the lowest score defended in T20Is (excluding rain-shortened games) played at the Eden Park in Auckland. The previous lowest score defended was
by South Africa when they were successful in shielding 165/7 against the hosts in 2012.
List of T20Is played between New Zealand and West Indies in New Zealand:
| Year | Winner | Margin |
| 2025 | West Indies | 7 runs |
| 2020 | — | No Result |
| 2020 | New Zealand | 72 runs |
| 2020 | New Zealand | 5 wickets |
| 2018 | New Zealand | 119 runs |
| 2018 | - | No Result |
| 2017 | New Zealand | 47 runs |
| 2014 | New Zealand | 4 wickets |
| 2014 | New Zealand | 81 runs |
| 2008 | New Zealand | 36 runs |
| 2008 | West Indies | Super Over (10 runs) |
| 2006 | New Zealand | Bowl-out |
Speaking of the thriller, the BlackCaps had won the toss and opted to field first. They did well to restrict the opposition to 32/2 at the end of the powerplay. At the halfway mark, West Indies were 66/3. Shai Hope (53 off 39) was dismissed soon after reaching his half-century. Jacob Duffy finished his spell with a wicket of Roston Chase. An 11-run final over meant the Hope's side got to 164/6.
The hosts were off to a rapid start with the bat. They reached 30/0 in three overs. By the end of 10 overs, New Zealand required 89 off 60 with seven wickets in hand. A double-wicket over by Jayden Seales after Akeal Hosein struck in his first ever brought the momentum back towards West Indies. Chase' fourth over resulted in a couple of wickets too. Even Mitchell Santner's late fireworks could not prevent his side from falling short at the end.
