Lennox five-for helps New Zealand draw level against West Indies

PROVIDENCE: Jayden Lennox’s first five-wicket haul in One-day Internationals carried New Zealand to a five-wicket win over West Indies in the second ODI at Providence Stadium on Monday, allowing the visitors to square the five-match series at 1-1.

West Indies, who had won the opening match by seven wickets at the same venue on Saturday, were dismissed for 138 after slipping from 63 without loss. New Zealand then reached 141-5 in 32.4 overs, completing the chase with more than 17 overs remaining. The result was also New Zealand’s 400th victory in ODI cricket.

Lennox triggers West Indies collapse

West Indies made a steady start through John Campbell and Akeem Auguste, who added 63 for the first wicket. Campbell top-scored with 43, while Auguste made 18, but the innings unravelled after that as the hosts lost all 10 wickets for 75 runs.

Slow left-arm orthodox spinner Lennox, playing only his seventh ODI after making his international debut at 31, finished with 5-19 from eight overs. Those figures were described as the third-best by a New Zealand spinner in ODIs. Mitchell Santner supported him with two wickets, while Michael Bracewell also claimed two.

Santner removed Keacy Carty for 18, while Lennox bowled West Indies captain Shai Hope for seven. The two had put together a 131-run stand in the first ODI. Amir Jangoo’s 24 was the only other notable contribution as West Indies lost their last five wickets in 10 overs.

New Zealand wobble before Latham, Bracewell finish job

New Zealand began briskly, with Henry Nicholls scoring 17 and Will Young making 28 in an opening stand of 35 at close to five runs an over. But the chase was checked by quick wickets, including Mark Chapman’s run-out for nought after Vitel Lawes produced a sharp throw from cover.

Daryl Mitchell made 28 and added 42 with Tom Latham for the fourth wicket, helping New Zealand recover before falling stumped to Khary Pierre after charging down the pitch. Pierre then bowled Dean Foxcroft for nought, leaving New Zealand at 96-5 on a surface offering pronounced turn.

Latham remained unbeaten on 37 and, with Bracewell, guided New Zealand home in an unbroken stand. Bracewell finished on 24 not out and also crossed 1,000 runs in ODI cricket during the innings.

Lennox was named player of the match for the first five-wicket return of his ODI career.