NZ vs WI, 3rd T20I: New Zealand Wins by Nine Runs in Thriller
Seamer Kyle Jamieson maintained his composure in the final over for the second consecutive game, securing a nine-run victory for New Zealand against 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 challenged New Zealand’s total of 177 for nine in Nelson but were ultimately dismissed for 168. Romario Shepherd scored a career-best 49 before being caught in the deep off the penultimate ball.
Series Standings and Match Flow
New Zealand leads the five-match series 2-1, with this game mirroring the first two where the chasing side fell just short.
West Indies' Late Rally
- At 88 for eight in the 13th over, the West Indies seemed out of the hunt.
- Shepherd and fellow seamer Shamar Springer launched a fightback, combining for 78 runs in 6.3 overs.
- Springer scored 39 before being caught and bowled by Jacob Duffy with one over remaining.
With 12 runs needed off the final over, Jamieson’s precise bowling allowed just two runs from his first four deliveries before dismissing Shepherd to clinch the win for New Zealand.
Jamieson's Impact in the Series
Jamieson was also crucial in New Zealand’s series-leveing win in Auckland on Thursday, bowling a tight final over that conceded only 12 runs in a nerve-wracking three-run victory.
“Jamieson held his nerve in the final over for a second straight game to seal a nine-run victory.”
Author’s summary: Kyle Jamieson's calm and decisive bowling under pressure has been pivotal in New Zealand’s series lead, exemplifying his match-winning consistency in tight T20 finishes.