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Daryl Mitchell Century Powers NZ to Win Over WI

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Daryl Mitchell’s century sets up NZ’s narrow win over WI in first ODI

When New Zealand’s top order crumbled early in the first ODI against the West Indies, it was Daryl Mitchell who stood tall—quite literally. The right-handed all-rounder played a masterclass in crisis management, scoring a match-defining Daryl Mitchell century that ultimately powered the Kiwis to a nerve-wracking 7-run victory in a game that swung until the final over .

Table of Contents

Match Snapshot: Key Numbers

Venue: Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados
New Zealand: 269/7 in 50 overs
West Indies: 262/6 in 50 overs
Result: New Zealand won by 7 runs
Player of the Match: Daryl Mitchell

Chasing 270 on a pitch offering some assistance to spinners and seamers alike, the West Indies came agonizingly close but ran out of steam in the death overs—thanks largely to the foundation laid by Mitchell’s resilient knock .

Daryl Mitchell Century: The Backbone of NZ’s Innings

New Zealand’s innings began in disarray. Openers Rachin Ravindra (4) and Will Young (golden duck) were both dismissed by the seventh over, with West Indies captain Shai Hope taking sharp catches behind the stumps . At 39/2, the pressure mounted.

Enter Daryl Mitchell. Displaying trademark composure and intelligent shot selection, he stitched crucial partnerships—first with Kane Williamson and later with Glenn Phillips and Mitchell Santner. His unbeaten 104 came off 126 balls and included 8 fours and 2 sixes, blending caution with calculated aggression .

What made his Daryl Mitchell century so impactful wasn’t just the runs—it was the context. With wickets falling at the other end, he adapted his game, rotating strike, farming the strike in overs, and accelerating only when set. It’s the kind of innings that defines series.

West Indies’ Courageous Chase Falls Short

In response, the West Indies showed fight. Shai Hope and Nicholas Pooran anchored the chase with a 98-run partnership, keeping the required rate manageable. Hope scored a fluent 76, while Pooran blazed 63 off just 55 balls .

However, New Zealand’s death bowling—led by Lockie Ferguson and Santner—proved decisive. With 34 needed off the last 3 overs, Ferguson’s yorkers and clever variations tightened the screws. The Windies needed 15 off the final over but managed only 7, ending at 262/6 .

For fans of high-stakes ODI cricket, this was a thriller that showcased why 50-over cricket still has its magic. Dive deeper into chase strategies in our guide on how teams chase 250+ targets successfully.

Shai Hope’s Glovework Steals Attention

While his batting earned headlines, Shai Hope’s performance behind the stumps was equally impressive. The West Indies skipper took four catches in the match—including the crucial dismissals of Ravindra and Young early on .

His glovework to spinners, in particular, was sharp and reassuring—a reminder that Hope remains one of the most complete wicketkeeper-batters in the game today. Yet, even his all-round efforts weren’t enough to overcome Mitchell’s innings and New Zealand’s disciplined finish.

Tactical Takeaways from the ODI

This match offered several strategic lessons:

  • Anchor + Accelerator Model Works: Mitchell played the anchor while Phillips and Santner provided late fireworks—ideal for sub-270 totals.
  • Death Bowling is Non-Negotiable: Ferguson’s final-over execution made the difference in a 7-run win.
  • Early Wickets Don’t Guarantee Victory: Despite a strong start with the ball, WI couldn’t sustain pressure through the middle overs.

What This Win Means for the ODI Series

With a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, New Zealand has seized early momentum. More importantly, they’ve exposed a familiar West Indies vulnerability: finishing games. Historically strong starters, the Windies often struggle in high-pressure run chases—a trend they must reverse quickly if they’re to level the series .

For New Zealand, the return of Mitchell in peak form is a huge boost ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. His ability to play long innings in the middle order adds depth to an already balanced squad.

Conclusion: Mitchell Proves His Big-Match Pedigree

In a contest defined by fine margins, Daryl Mitchell’s century wasn’t just a highlight—it was the difference. His calm under pressure, tactical awareness, and ability to absorb scoreboard stress reaffirmed why he’s become indispensable to New Zealand’s white-ball setup. As the series moves to the second ODI, all eyes will be on whether the West Indies can bounce back—or if Mitchell and co. will continue their dominance.

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