Guyana: New Zealand national cricket team defeated West Indies cricket team by five wickets in the second ODI on Monday to level the five-match series 1-1. The match turned on a stunning spell from left-arm spinner Jayden Lennox, who claimed his maiden five-wicket haul in international cricket.

Lennox’s brilliant figures of 5-19 dismantled the West Indies batting lineup, triggering a dramatic collapse that saw the hosts fall from a comfortable 63-0 to just 138 all out.

Lennox leads dramatic West Indies collapse

West Indies started strongly with an opening stand between John Campbell (43) and Akeem Auguste (18), but the innings unraveled quickly once Lennox struck.

The spinner, playing only his seventh ODI after debuting late at 31, delivered a match-defining performance. His spell ranks among the best by a New Zealand spinner in ODI history.

He removed key batters, including captain Shai Hope, who was bowled for just 7, and Keacy Carty, who managed 18 after scoring heavily in the first ODI.

Mitchell Santner also played a crucial supporting role, as West Indies lost all 10 wickets for just 65 runs. Amir Jangoo (24) was the only other batter to offer resistance as the innings folded quickly.

New Zealand survive tricky chase

Chasing a modest target of 139 on a pitch offering sharp turn, New Zealand did not have it easy. Early contributions from Will Young (28) and Henry Nicholls (17) helped the visitors reach 35 for no loss.

However, quick wickets—including the run-out of Mark Chapman for a duck—shifted momentum back towards West Indies. At 96-5, the match was finely poised.

Daryl Mitchell (28) and captain Tom Latham steadied the innings with a crucial partnership before Mitchell fell attempting an aggressive shot.

Latham and Bracewell guide New Zealand home

With pressure mounting, Tom Latham anchored the chase with a composed 37 not out. He found strong support in Mark Bracewell, who remained unbeaten on 18.

The pair stitched together an unbroken partnership to take New Zealand past the target with 104 balls to spare, ensuring a comfortable victory despite earlier jitters.

Bracewell also achieved a personal milestone, crossing 1,000 runs in ODI cricket during the match.

Series finely poised ahead of third ODI

The win marked New Zealand’s 400th victory in one-day internationals, adding further significance to the result. It also leveled the five-match series after West Indies had won the opening game by seven wickets.

With momentum now shifting, both teams will look ahead to the third ODI scheduled for Thursday in Guyana, where the battle for series dominance continues.