NZ vs WI, 3rd T20I: New Zealand beats West Indies by nine runs in tense finish
Seamer Kyle Jamieson held his nerve in the final over for a second consecutive game, securing a nine-run victory for New Zealand against West Indies in a nail-biting third T20 International on Sunday.
Jamieson held his nerve and defended 11 runs in the final over.
West Indies threatened to surpass New Zealand’s total of 177 for nine in Nelson but were dismissed for 168. Romario Shepherd, who scored a career-best 49, was caught in the deep off the penultimate ball.
New Zealand now leads the five-match series 2-1. The match followed a familiar pattern, with the team chasing falling just short once again.
West Indies’ hopes looked slim at 88 for eight in the 13th over. However, Shepherd and seamer Shamar Springer revived the innings, combining for 78 runs off just 6.3 overs.
Springer was caught and bowled by Jacob Duffy for 39 with one over left. Needing 12 runs to win, the last pair managed only two runs off Jamieson’s first four balls before he dismissed Shepherd to seal the win.
"Jamieson had also been effective when New Zealand leveled the series in Auckland on Thursday, conceding 12 runs in the final over of a nerve-jangling three-run victory."
This victory highlights Jamieson's calm under pressure and clinches New Zealand’s lead in the series.
Author's summary: Kyle Jamieson's composed bowling in pressure moments secured New Zealand's narrow win against West Indies, giving them a 2-1 lead in the T20I series.