NZ vs WI, 3rd T20I: New Zealand triumphs over West Indies by nine runs
Seamer Kyle Jamieson held his nerve in the final over for a second consecutive match, securing a nine-run win for New Zealand against West Indies in a thrilling finish to the third T20 International on Sunday.
Jamieson defended 11 runs in the final over to seal the victory.
West Indies threatened to chase down New Zealand’s total of 177 for nine in Nelson but fell short, finishing at 168 when Romario Shepherd was caught in the deep on the penultimate ball for a career-best 49 runs.
This win gave New Zealand a 2-1 lead in the five-match series, continuing the trend from the previous games with the chasing side narrowly missing the target.
West Indies looked out of contention at 88 for eight in the 13th over, but Shepherd, aided by fellow seamer Shamar Springer, launched a strong counterattack. The pair added 78 runs in just 6.3 overs, with Springer contributing 39 before being caught and bowled by Jacob Duffy in the final over.
Needing 12 runs to win, the last pair managed just two runs off Jamieson’s first four balls before he dismissed Shepherd, triggering celebrations for New Zealand.
Jamieson had also been instrumental in Auckland on Thursday, conceding only 12 runs in the final over of a tense three-run win that evened the series.
New Zealand now holds a series lead, with the final two matches poised to be equally exciting.
Author's summary: Kyle Jamieson's calm finishing secured New Zealand's narrow victory and a series lead over West Indies in a tense third T20I.