Cricket fans were treated to yet another thrilling encounter between West Indies and New Zealand, as the third T20 International in Nelson went right down to the wire. For the third consecutive match, the outcome was decided in the final over — and just as in the previous game, fortune favoured the Kiwis.
New Zealand triumphed by 9 runs in the third T20, taking a 2–1 lead in the five-match series. After being sent in to bat, the hosts posted a competitive total of 177 for 8 in their 20 overs. In reply, West Indies staged a valiant fightback after collapsing to 88 for 8, eventually managing 168 all out, falling agonisingly short of what could have been a remarkable comeback.
| Match Summary | New Zealand | West Indies |
|---|---|---|
| Total Runs | 177/8 (20 overs) | 168 all out (20 overs) |
| Top Scorer | Devon Conway – 56 (34 balls) | Romario Shepherd – 49 (34 balls) |
| Best Partnership | Conway & Mitchell – 70 runs | Shepherd & Springer – 78 runs (9th wicket) |
| Best Bowler | Jacob Duffy – 3 wickets | Jason Holder – 2 wickets |
Earlier, New Zealand made a bright start, reaching 96 for 1 inside 10 overs. However, their momentum dipped as West Indies bowlers fought back, restricting them to just 81 runs in the last 10 overs.
Devon Conway led the charge with a fluent 56 off 34 balls, laced with six boundaries and two sixes. Daryl Mitchell contributed 41 from 24 balls, while Tim Robinson (23 off 21) and Rachin Ravindra (26 off 15) provided useful cameos.
West Indies’ chase got off to a disastrous start, with the top order collapsing under pressure. Amir Jangu (0), Shai Hope (1), Alick Athanaze (31 off 23), Akeem Auguste (24 off 16), and Sherfane Rutherford (2 off 4) failed to build a solid platform. Skipper Rovman Powell, the hero of the previous match, was also dismissed early, leaving the visitors reeling at 88 for 8.
Just when all hope seemed lost, Romario Shepherd and Shamar Springer launched a sensational counter-attack. Their 39-ball stand of 78 runs for the ninth wicket became the highest ever ninth-wicket partnership in T20 Internationals between full ICC member nations.
With 24 needed off the last two overs, the match was delicately poised. Shepherd’s clean hitting reduced the equation to 13 off 9 balls, but in the penultimate over, Jacob Duffy produced a brilliant caught-and-bowled to dismiss Springer, who made a quickfire 39 off 20 balls.
In the final over, Shepherd needed 12 from 6 deliveries. He struck a boundary early but perished while attempting a six, caught at long-off for a gallant 49 off 34 balls, leaving West Indies just 9 runs shy of victory.
For New Zealand, both Jacob Duffy and Ish Sodhi claimed three wickets apiece, while Kyle Jamieson’s tight bowling at the death proved crucial. For the visitors, Jason Holder and Matthew Forde picked up two wickets each.
With this result, New Zealand lead the five-match series 2–1, and both teams will meet again in Nelson on Monday for the fourth T20 — another clash that promises high drama and fireworks.