New Zealand defeated West Indies by nine runs in the third T20I of the five-match series at Saxton Oval in Nelson. The hosts posted 177/9 in 20 overs, with Devon Conway smashing a brisk half-century and Daryl Mitchell adding a valuable knock. However, a late collapse saw them lose six wickets for just 21 runs. Among West Indies bowlers, Matthew Forde (2/20 in 4 overs) stood out with his disciplined spell.

Chasing 178, West Indies looked out of the contest after collapsing to 88 for 8 in the 13th over. But Shamar Springer and Romario Shepherd produced a remarkable fightback, adding a quick ninth-wicket stand that reignited hopes of an unlikely win. They brought the visitors within touching distance of victory, but New Zealand’s bowlers held their nerve in the tense final overs. In the end, West Indies fell short by nine runs.

Ish Sodhi (3/34 in 4 overs) and Jacob Duffy (3/36 in 4 overs) led the charge with the ball, dismantling the West Indies batting lineup. With this thrilling win, New Zealand now hold a 2-1 lead in the five-match T20I series.

Conway and Mitchell Anchor New Zealand Innings

Put in to bat, New Zealand posted 177 for 9 from 20 overs. Devon Conway led the way with a fluent 56 off 34 balls, while Daryl Mitchell’s 41 from 24 balls added firepower. The hosts looked set for a total above 190, but three run-outs and disciplined bowling from Matthew Forde and Jason Holder checked their momentum.

Forde impressed again, taking two wickets and giving away just 14 runs in his three powerplay overs. His control limited New Zealand’s early surge before Conway’s strokeplay lifted the innings.

Missed Opportunities and a Late Slide

Conway reached his 12th T20I fifty with clean hitting, while Rachin Ravindra supported him well. But after the halfway mark, West Indies hit back through sharp fielding and smart bowling. A brilliant direct hit from Athanaze ran Conway out, while Shepherd’s slower ball dismissed Ravindra.

From 144 for 3, New Zealand stumbled to 169 for 8 within 21 balls. Holder and Forde bowled effectively to restrict them to 177, a total that appeared modest — until their bowlers turned the match.

West Indies Collapse Before Late Resistance

Earlier in the chase, West Indies crumbled under pressure. Duffy struck twice in his first over, dismissing Amir Jangoo and Shai Hope. Ish Sodhi then took control, removing Alick Athanaze, Rovman Powell, and Matthew Forde in a sharp spell of 3 for 34. At one stage, the visitors lost six wickets for 35 runs in under six overs.

Only Springer and Shepherd showed fight, lifting their team from near defeat to the edge of an incredible comeback. But once again, New Zealand’s composure in crunch moments made the difference.

Springer and Shepherd Lead a Brave Fightback

When Springer and Shepherd joined hands, the match looked over. West Indies were staring at defeat, but the pair refused to give up. They added 78 runs in just 39 balls, hitting powerfully across the park. Springer smashed Ish Sodhi and Kyle Jamieson for big boundaries, while Shepherd cleared the ropes with ease, including a massive 103-metre six off Jacob Duffy.

The partnership brought the equation down from 90 off 45 to just 13 needed from seven balls. However, Duffy held his nerve, taking a sharp return catch to dismiss Springer for a brisk 39 off 20 balls. In the final over, Jamieson struck again, removing Shepherd as New Zealand sealed a nine-run win — their second straight tight finish.