In a jaw-dropping display of power-hitting and resilience, West Indies created history by becoming the first team in T20I cricket to score 87 runs in the final five overs of a run chase, thanks to a blistering partnership between Rovman Powell and Matthew Forde. The record-breaking feat occurred during the second T20I against New Zealand at Eden Park, Auckland, on November 6, 2025.
Despite falling short by just three runs in a thrilling finish, the Caribbean side’s late-innings assault has etched their name into the record books. The match, which saw New Zealand level the five-match series 1-1, will be remembered for the sheer audacity and execution of West Indies’ lower-order batters.
🧠 Key Highlights from the Record-Breaking Chase
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Runs Scored in Final 5 Overs | 87 |
| Previous Record | 81 (England vs South Africa, 2022) |
| Top Scorers in Final Overs | Rovman Powell (33 off 23), Matthew Forde (26 off 10) |
| Match Result | New Zealand won by 3 runs |
| Series Status | Level at 1-1 |
The West Indies’ late surge nearly pulled off an improbable win, leaving fans and pundits in awe.
📊 West Indies’ Final Five Overs – Ball-by-Ball Breakdown
| Over | Runs Scored | Key Moments |
|---|---|---|
| 16 | 12 | Powell finds rhythm with a six and a four |
| 17 | 18 | Forde smashes two boundaries and a six |
| 18 | 20 | Powell and Forde rotate strike, punish errors |
| 19 | 19 | Two sixes and a four off short deliveries |
| 20 | 18 | Forde falls short on final ball, scores single |
The duo’s calculated aggression turned a lost cause into a near-victory.
📈 Timeline of the Match – NZ vs WI, 2nd T20I
| Time (IST) | Event Description | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 11:30 AM | New Zealand win toss, elect to bat | Set platform for high-scoring game |
| 2:00 PM | NZ post 207/5 in 20 overs | Chapman scores 78 off 28 |
| 2:30 PM | WI lose top order early | Struggle at 81/5 after 12 overs |
| 3:15 PM | Powell-Forde partnership begins | Momentum shifts |
| 3:45 PM | WI finish at 204/8 | Fall short by 3 runs despite record effort |
The match was a rollercoaster, with momentum swinging wildly in the final stages.
🗣️ Reactions from Cricketing World
| Stakeholder | Commentary Summary |
|---|---|
| Rovman Powell | “We believed till the last ball. Proud of the fight.” |
| Matthew Forde | “It’s a dream to contribute like this for West Indies.” |
| Cricket Analysts | “One of the greatest death-over assaults in T20I history.” |
| Fans on Social Media | “Unreal hitting. Powell and Forde deserve a standing ovation.” |
The cricketing fraternity hailed the performance as a masterclass in pressure batting.
📌 Strategic Takeaways for West Indies
| Area | Insight |
|---|---|
| Death Overs Batting | World-class execution under pressure |
| Lower-Order Depth | Forde’s emergence adds firepower |
| Bowling Concerns | Need to tighten middle overs |
| Fielding Standards | Dropped catches proved costly |
Despite the loss, West Indies showcased their potential as a dangerous T20 unit.
📌 Conclusion
West Indies’ record-breaking 87-run blitz in the final five overs of a T20I run chase has redefined what’s possible in the shortest format of the game. Rovman Powell and Matthew Forde’s fearless hitting not only brought the team within touching distance of victory but also sent a strong message to the cricketing world ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026. While the match ended in a narrow defeat, the spirit, skill, and spectacle on display have reignited belief in the Caribbean side’s resurgence.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available match reports, official statistics, and media coverage. It is intended for informational and editorial purposes only and does not constitute betting or coaching advice.
