Jacob Duffy and Ish Sodhi's impressive bowling performance helped New Zealand beat the West Indies by nine runs in a nail-biter in the third T20I, taking a 2-1 lead in the five-match series at Saxton Oval.
New Zealand's batting
After opting to bat, New Zealand managed their lowest T20I total at this venue, scoring 177/9. Tim Robinson and Devon Conway gave the team a strong start with a 47-run opening stand, but Conway fell for 23, dismissed by Matthew Forde. Rachin Ravindra joined Robinson, and the pair added a crucial 50-run stand before Robinson was dismissed in the 13th over.
New Zealand looked on track to post over 200, but the West Indies fought back, taking six wickets for just 35 runs in the last five overs. The hosts ended their innings at 177/9 in 20 overs. For the visitors, Forde was the pick of the bowlers with 2-20, while Jason Holder (2-31) and Shamar Springer (1-36) bowled well in the final overs.
West Indies failed to chase
Chasing 178, the West Indies failed to get a good start as they were reduced to 68/6 and later 88/8, thanks to brilliant bowling by Duffy and Sodhi. However, Romario Shepherd and Shamar Springer tried to shift the momentum of the game, putting on a 78-run partnership off 39 balls to bring the visitors close.
With 12 needed from the final over, West Indies still had a chance, but Kyle Jamieson struck, dismissing Shepherd and sealing a narrow win for New Zealand in another thrilling encounter.
Brief scores: New Zealand 177/9 ( Devon Conway 56, Daryl Mitchell 41; Mathew Forde 2-20, 2-31 Jaosn Holder) beat West Indies 168/10 (Romario Shepherd 49, Shamar Springer 39; Ish Sodhi 3-24, 3-36 Jacob Duffy) by nine runs