Jayden Lennox Stars Again as New Zealand Take 2-1 Lead

 

New Zealand have found their rhythm in the Caribbean, and Jayden Lennox has become the face of that turnaround.

 

After taking a maiden five-for in the second ODI, Lennox backed it up with 4/52 in the third, helping New Zealand dismantle West Indies for just 140 on another spin-friendly surface in Guyana. The visitors then chased the target in 39.3 overs, winning by six wickets and taking a 2-1 series lead.

 

Lennox Turns the Game Again

 

New Zealand won the toss and chose to bowl first, and once the surface started gripping, Lennox became the central threat.

 

West Indies were already under pressure after John Campbell hurt his left hamstring while completing a tight run in the sixth over. Campbell had to be stretchered off and did not return to bat, leaving the hosts effectively a batter short.

 

Lennox then tightened the game through the middle overs, removing captain Shai Hope and later running through the lower order with the wickets of Keemo Paul, Gudakesh Motie and Alzarri Joseph.

 

West Indies Collapse From 121/3

 

At 121/3, West Indies had a chance to push towards a competitive total. Keacy Carty had made 48, while Shimron Hetmyer briefly broke free with two sixes.

 

But the innings fell apart suddenly. Michael Bracewell removed Carty and Hetmyer, and Lennox then took over at the back end. West Indies lost their last wickets quickly and were bowled out for 140 in 37.1 overs.

 

Santner and Bracewell Add the Squeeze

 

Lennox was the headline act, but New Zealand’s spin unit worked as a group.

 

Mitchell Santner finished with 2/15, while Michael Bracewell picked up 2/33. Santner also took a sharp catch running back from mid-off to dismiss Ackeem Auguste, who had started positively with 26.

 

Lawes Gives West Indies Hope

 

New Zealand’s chase was not flashy. They scored only 27 runs in the first nine overs, and West Indies teenage left-arm wristspinner Vitel Lawes again looked impressive.

 

Lawes removed Henry Nicholls, Mark Chapman and Will Young, finishing with 3/39. His spell gave West Indies a small opening, especially on a pitch where the ball kept low and timing was difficult.

 

Latham and Foxcroft Finish the Job

 

Even though New Zealand’s chase slowed at times, they never allowed panic to enter the game.

 

Daryl Mitchell added early momentum with 28, before Tom Latham and Dean Foxcroft put together a steady fifth-wicket stand. Latham stayed unbeaten on 31, and New Zealand eventually crossed the line with 63 balls to spare.

 

Match Summary

 

West Indies: 140 all out in 37.1 overs

Keacy Carty 48, Shimron Hetmyer 26

Jayden Lennox 4/52, Mitchell Santner 2/15, Michael Bracewell 2/33

 

New Zealand: 141/4 in 39.3 overs

Tom Latham 31*, Daryl Mitchell 28

Vitel Lawes 3/39

 

Result: New Zealand won by six wickets and lead the series 2-1.

 

Interesting Angle for Sportish

 

The most interesting part of this match is the battle of two emerging left-arm spinners.

 

Jayden Lennox is winning matches for New Zealand with back-to-back big spells, while Vitel Lawes has been one of the few bright spots for West Indies. Lennox has already changed the direction of the series; Lawes looks like someone West Indies can build around.

 

That makes this ODI series more than just a result battle — it is also becoming a showcase for young spin talent.

 

Key Takeaway

 

New Zealand’s spin attack controlled the third ODI from start to finish. Jayden Lennox followed his five-for with 4/52, West Indies collapsed for 140, and New Zealand chased calmly to take a 2-1 series lead.

 

Jayden Lennox does it again.

After a five-for in the second ODI, he took 4/52 in the third as New Zealand beat West Indies by six wickets to go 2-1 up in the series.

 

#WIvsNZ #JaydenLennox #NewZealandCricket #WestIndiesCricket #ODICricket #VitelLawes #CricketNews #Sportish