In a nail-biting encounter on November 15, the West Indies narrowly missed victory against New Zealand, succumbing to a seven-run defeat in the first of three One Day Internationals (ODIs) held in Christchurch. The match marked the international debut of Shamar Springer, adding a fresh dynamic to the Windies’ lineup. Despite a valiant effort, the Caribbean side couldn’t overcome the BlackCaps’ resilience, setting the stage for an intense series. West Indian captain Shai Hope won the toss and opted to bowl, capitalizing on favorable conditions. Matthew Forde made an immediate impact, dismissing Rachin Ravindra and Will Young in consecutive deliveries. However, New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell stole the spotlight with a masterful century, scoring 119 runs and anchoring his team’s innings. Jayden Seales emerged as a key figure for the Windies, claiming three wickets for 41 runs and restricting the hosts to under 300. The West Indies’ chase began cautiously, with early wickets forcing a defensive approach. Sherfane Rutherford’s return to form, with a solid 55 runs, provided hope, while Romario Shepherd’s explosive 38 off 24 deliveries nearly turned the tide. Yet, the BlackCaps held their nerve in the final over, securing a narrow victory. The Windies now face a must-win situation in the second ODI on November 18 to keep the series alive.