New Zealand vs West Indies, 3rd T20I at Nelson, NZ vs WI, Nov 09 2025 - Ball by Ball Commentary

And with that win, New Zealand takes a crucial 2-1 series lead! We will be back again tomorrow, same time, same place, for the fourth game. Until then, this is Rashad Mahbub, saying adios on behalf of M Venkat Raghav and the rest of the ESPNcricinfo crew. We always love having you guys tune in for the action; thank you for your support and company. Go well, ciao!

Mitchell Santner: "[Series lead] That was the most pleasing thing. Different guys stepping up at different times, which is pretty key over a five-match series. It was a very scrappy win, but it's nice to be on the right side of one. It's always a challenge when you come up against a team that bats so deep, and we know they've got power all the way through. I thought we probably should have gotten 190 at least. But after the collapse, their partnership from 88-8 showed they have power all the way through. Our main goal is to try and keep taking wickets. The way the boys started when the ball was swinging was nice, and when it wasn't, Ish Sodhi was outstanding again. The boys adapted quickly with cutters, bounces, and slow balls. The bowling unit was outstanding. [Jamieson] You bank that experience for what's coming up. You know, you might be in a similar situation in the World Cup when the game is on the line. The only problem for KJ is that if he keeps doing it so well, he's going to have to keep doing it! It just shows that you've got guys in this team always open to be involved in the clutch moments. I think as a unit the bowlers were outstanding."

Shai Hope: "[Three matches and three last-over finish] As you said, taking it to the last over means you're always in the contest. It's just unfortunate we're not coming out on the winning side in the last two. Still, there are a lot of positives, especially from the last two games. [Shamar Springer] He's known now as a death specialist. He showed he has the ability to come in and restrict teams in the back end with the ball, and he certainly has power with the bat as well. It's great to see him showing his all-round game today. The same goes for Romario Shepherd; they both came to the party. It's just unfortunate we didn't get the start we wanted to make it a little bit easier for them in the back end. So many positives to take from this one."

Player of the Match, Ish Sodhi: "[Third-highest wicket-taker in T20I history] I suppose it's been nice to come in and contribute in the last couple of games. The wickets are probably a little bit drier in Saxton than what we're used to in New Zealand, so there's definitely something to work with here. You can see that's probably the reason why we bowled ten overs of spin today. It feels like the ball is leaving my hand really nicely right now. I think playing some consistent cricket recently, where you're bowling longer spells, helps you get into a better rhythm. Sometimes in T20 in New Zealand, especially early in the season, you might not bowl for two or three weeks. That consistency of bowling has been quite good, and I hope to continue that. [Last over finish] The heart is pumping. The energy is high. Those death bowlers are doing a great job. The West Indies have such power through their lower to middle order, and it's on show right now. The crowd has been amazing. It's been a great spectacle so far in the series, and it's nice to be on the winning side of it today. Hopefully, we can do a little bit the same tomorrow."

Shubha : "Taking the game deep is alright but why take it deep when you can win easily by playing percentage T20 batting?"

Sunitha : "Catches do win matches ! Springer's dismissal won it. Feel Romario shouldn't have taken the 1 in the last over "

Badar: "Well played West Indies. There's no shame in losing gracefully, putting up a great fight on the field. Great entertainment for all to enjoy Sunday. "

Sukanya : "While the never say die attitude of the WI is commendable , they have only themselves to blame by not playing for the target initially. They went too hard as if they were chasing 225 ! "

Stats from Sampath: 78-run stand between Romario Shepherd and Shamar Springer is the third-highest for the ninth or a lower wicket in men's T20Is and the highest for a full-member team.

4:55 pm Another game went down to the wire, featuring another late fightback from the West Indies' lower order, and another last-over victory sealed by Kyle Jamieson! New Zealand now leads the five-match series 2-1. The innings started strongly for the West Indies, scoring 13 runs in the first over. But Jacob Duffy struck immediately in the second over, forcing Jangoo to chop on and then dismissing the West Indies skipper in the same over. Jamieson dropped a sitter when Athanaze was on 19, but Athanaze was finally removed by Sodhi on 31. The collapse continued as Powell was clean bowled by a Sodhi googly, and Auguste was run out going for an impossible single. You simply cannot rule out the West Indies. From being 88/8, Shepherd and Springer miraculously turned the game around with a blistering 78-run partnership off only 39 balls. Duffy intervened personally to end the threat, taking a stunning catch during the follow-through of his last delivery to dismiss Springer for 39 off 20 balls. The hope rested with Shepherd, but struggling with a hamstring injury, it was too much to pull off alone. He was dismissed as the last man after scoring a heroic 49 runs off 34 balls. Duffy and Sodhi were the destroyers, each bagging three wickets. Post-match presentation is coming up shortly.

New Zealand won by 9 runs

It's now or never for Shepherd. 10 needed from the last 2 balls.

10 runs needed from 3 balls.

Long discussion between Shepherd and Hosein. Santner walks towards Jamieson and changes the field setup.

Kiran: "Oh my word, you will NEVER find a better catch than that!!!!! Jacob duffy you hero!"

Jamieson to bowl the last one, 12 needed from 6. Shepherd on strike

Shepherd is hobbling while running between the wickets, still struggling with his hamstring issue.

24 needed from 12. Here's Duffy

Neesham returns to the attack

Titus: "I actually find the VJT method more logical and paces it well unlike DLS. There was a great article on it in cricinfo a free years back. Wonder why it's never adopted outside of Indian domestic " I think you are talking about this article from Rajesh.