NZ vs WI, 3rd T20I: New Zealand Secures Nine-Run Win in Closely Fought Match
Seamer Kyle Jamieson held his nerve in the final over for the second consecutive game, sealing a nine-run victory for New Zealand over 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 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, scoring a career-best 49.
New Zealand now leads the five-match series 2-1 after a game that followed the same pattern as the first two, with the chasing side narrowly missing their target.
West Indies’ chances looked slim at 88 for eight in the 13th over, but Shepherd and seamer Shamar Springer mounted a strong fightback by hitting boundaries. They added 78 runs in 6.3 overs before Springer was caught and bowled by Jacob Duffy for 39 with one over left.
Needing 12 runs to win, the last two batsmen managed only two runs off Jamieson’s first four deliveries before the tall fast bowler dismissed Shepherd, sparking celebrations for New Zealand.
Jamieson had also been crucial when New Zealand leveled the series in Auckland on Thursday, conceding just 12 runs in the final over of a nerve-jangling three-run victory.
New Zealand's consistent bowling under pressure has played a key role in their series lead.
Author's summary: Kyle Jamieson's calm and effective bowling under pressure secured New Zealand's hard-fought nine-run win, giving them a 2-1 lead in the T20I series against West Indies.