NZ vs WI, 3rd T20I: New Zealand Wins Tight Contest by Nine Runs
Seamer Kyle Jamieson showed remarkable composure in the final over for the second consecutive match, securing a nine-run victory for New Zealand against West Indies in a tense finish to the third T20 International on Sunday.
Jamieson held his nerve and defended 11 runs in the final over.
The West Indies threatened to chase down New Zealand’s score of 177 for nine in Nelson but fell short, finishing at 168. Romario Shepherd’s effort ended on the penultimate ball when he was caught in the deep, scoring a career-best 49 runs.
With this win, New Zealand leads the five-match series 2-1. The match followed a familiar pattern seen in the first two games, with the team batting second narrowly missing the target.
Late Resistance from West Indies
West Indies’ chances looked slim at 88 for eight in the 13th over, but Shepherd and fellow seamer Shamar Springer launched an impressive fightback. The pair scored 78 runs off 6.3 overs, hitting boundaries and shifting momentum.
Springer was caught and bowled by Jacob Duffy for 39 runs with one over remaining.
With 12 runs needed off the last over, West Indies managed only two in the first four balls before Jamieson took the crucial wicket of Shepherd, sparking celebrations among the New Zealand players.
Jamieson’s Consistent Impact
Jamieson had also played a key role when New Zealand leveled the series in Auckland on Thursday, conceding just 12 runs in the final over during a close three-run victory.
This strong bowling performance cements Jamieson’s status as a clutch player in tense match situations.
Author's summary: Kyle Jamieson’s calm and effective bowling in critical final overs was decisive in New Zealand’s tense nine-run win, putting them ahead 2-1 in the series against West Indies.