Black Caps 'put the foot down' in thriller against West Indies

A sparkling 78 from 28 balls from Mark Chapman has helped the Black Caps to a series levelling three run win over West Indies at Eden Park.

After being asked to bat first New Zealand scored 207 for five with the innings based around Chapman's stunning knock which included six fours and seven sixes.

"One of those days where you try to take on every ball," Chapman said after the game.

Open Tim Robinson made 39 and Daryl Mitchell 28, while Matthew Forde and Roston Chase were the best of the Windies bowlers.

"It reached that stage where we felt we could put the foot down and today was the day where it came off," Chapman said.

In reply the West Indies appeared out of the game at 93 for six in the 13th over, requiring 18 runs an over.

However Rovman Powell hit 45 from 16 balls to get them close.

They needed 18 off the last over and finished on 204 for eight.

While the run-rate got high for the tourists, Chapman admits they did get a bit nervous in the closing overs.

"We were well aware of the threat that the West Indies pose and the power that they have.

"They've got some serious power in their line-up and are capable of hitting any bowler out of the park."

Chapman also took three catches in an improved fielding effort by the home side.

Ish Sodhi and Mitchell Santner took three wickets each.

Windies pace bowler Romario Shephard admits the nature of Eden Park meant they had to be at their best.

"The small boundaries you actually have to be on the ball each and every ball you bowl because 200 is not enough in T20 cricket these days

"Sometimes a close game can hurt you because you can look at so many areas where you could have pulled back a six or where you could have bowled a better over or play a better shot."

With the series level at 1-1 the teams now head to Nelson for game three of the five match series on Sunday.

"It will be nice to go to Nelson, a more traditionally sized cricket ground, they always support the cricket really well there," Chapman said.

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