NZ vs WI, 3rd T20I: New Zealand Secures Nine-Run Win in Thrilling Finish
Seamer Kyle Jamieson maintained his composure in the final over for the second consecutive game, securing a nine-run victory for New Zealand over the West Indies in a tense conclusion 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 total of 177 for nine in Nelson but fell short, finishing at 168 after Romario Shepherd was caught in the deep off the penultimate ball. This marked Shepherd's career-best score of 49.
New Zealand now leads the five-match series 2-1. The match followed a familiar pattern from the series, with the team batting second narrowly missing the target.
West Indies looked out of the contest at 88 for eight in the 13th over, but Shepherd and fellow seamer Shamar Springer staged a late fightback. The pair combined for 78 runs off 6.3 overs, hitting boundaries with ease.
Springer was caught and bowled brilliantly by Jacob Duffy for 39 with one over remaining. Needing 12 to win, the final two batsmen managed only two runs off Jamieson’s first four balls before he removed Shepherd to end the game and trigger celebrations.
Jamieson had also played a key role when New Zealand leveled the series in Auckland on Thursday, conceding just 12 runs in the last over of a tight three-run victory.
Author's summary: Kyle Jamieson's calm bowling in crucial final overs has been pivotal in New Zealand's narrow victories over West Indies during the tense T20 series.