NZ vs WI (3rd T20I) – Highlights
NZ edged out WI by nine runs in a thrilling encounter during the third T20I at Nelson on November 9, 2025. Chasing a competitive total of 178, West Indies fell just short despite a late flurry of runs, allowing New Zealand to seal the series with a closely contested victory. The match had everything a cricket fan could ask for – explosive batting, tight bowling spells, and moments of brilliance in the field that ultimately tilted the balance in New Zealand’s favor.
New Zealand’s innings was anchored by Devon Conway, who produced a dazzling 56 off 34 balls, combining caution with aggression to set the tone. His partnership with Daryl Mitchell, who contributed a fluent 41 from 24 deliveries, kept the innings moving at a brisk pace. Rachin Ravindra also played a pivotal cameo, scoring 26 off just 15 balls, adding crucial momentum during the middle overs. The Black Caps lost wickets at regular intervals, with Tim Robinson, Michael Bracewell, and James Neesham unable to make substantial contributions. Despite this, the late overs saw some quick-fire hitting from Kyle Jamieson, Mitchell Santner, and Jacob Duffy, helping New Zealand post a competitive 177 for 9 in their 20 overs. Extras played a minor yet valuable role, contributing five runs to the total.
WI began their chase confidently but quickly ran into trouble against New Zealand’s disciplined bowling attack. Jacob Duffy, who claimed three key wickets, including that of opener Amir Jangoo and Captain Shai Hope, was named Cricinfo’s MVP with 72.13 impact points. Ish Sodhi, the match’s standout performer, turned the game on its head with three wickets for 34 runs, earning the Player of the Match award. Early dismissals of Shai Hope and Alick Athanaze meant the West Indies struggled to build a solid foundation. Romario Shepherd played a composed knock of 49 off 34 balls, and Shamar Springer’s whirlwind 39 off 20 deliveries offered a glimmer of hope in the final stages. However, they fell short by nine runs, finishing on 168 for 10 in 19.5 overs.
The game was characterized by smart bowling changes and excellent fielding from NZ. Sodhi’s leg-spin proved particularly decisive in the middle overs, breaking crucial partnerships and keeping the pressure high. Jacob Duffy’s pace complemented Sodhi’s spin perfectly, ensuring that the West Indies never really gained momentum. In contrast, the West Indies’ bowling attack, led by Matthew Forde, Jason Holder, and Shamar Springer, kept the scoring rate in check at times but lacked the consistent wicket-taking punch to defend the total. New Zealand’s batters displayed an impressive mix of aggression and temperament, balancing risk and reward across the innings to construct a defendable total.
Overall, the third T20I was a classic example of a tightly contested limited-overs game where small margins determined the outcome. New Zealand’s blend of experience, strategic bowling, and explosive batting proved decisive. The match highlighted the importance of taking wickets at critical moments and maintaining pressure through disciplined bowling and sharp fielding.
New Zealand vs West Indies Scoreboard
New Zealand – 177/9 (20)
West Indies – 168/10 (19.5)
Result – New Zealand won by 9 runs
Player of the Match – Ish Sodhi
Ish Sodhi
NZ vs WI Playing XIs
New Zealand | Devon Conway, Tim Robinson, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner (c), Mitchell Hay (wk), Kyle Jamieson, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy. |
West Indies | Amir Jangoo, Alick Athanaze, Shai Hope (c & wk), Ackeem Auguste, Sherfane Rutherford, Rovman Powell, Jason Holder, Romario Shepherd, Matthew Forde, Shamar Springer, Akeal Hosein. |
Disclaimer: The following match highlights are based on the author’s personal insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider these perspectives and form their own conclusions.
Relive the thrilling moments of cricket with JeetBuzz News—your ultimate destination for Match Highlights, expert opinions, and exclusive insights. Stay engaged and catch all the action shaping the cricketing world—only on JeetBuzz News!
