Series Tied at 1-1 as New Zealand and West Indies Clash in Crucial 3rd T20I
The five-match T20I series between New Zealand and West Indies is perfectly poised at 1-1, setting the stage for a thrilling encounter in the third match. The action moves to the Saxton Oval in Nelson on Sunday, November 9, where both teams will be desperate to take the lead. After West Indies secured a narrow seven-run victory in the opener, New Zealand fought back to level the series with a tense three-run win in the second game.
Match Preview and Pitch Report
The second T20I was a high-scoring affair where New Zealand posted 207/5, largely thanks to a blistering 78 off just 28 balls from Mark Chapman. In response, West Indies captain Rovman Powell's explosive 45 from 16 deliveries gave the hosts a major scare, but the Black Caps held their nerve. The spin duo of Ish Sodhi and Mitchell Santner were instrumental in the victory, claiming three wickets each.
The Saxton Oval in Nelson has a reputation for being a batter's paradise. In the three men's T20Is held here, the team batting first has emerged victorious on every occasion. With relatively short boundaries and a true surface that allows the ball to come onto the bat nicely, bowlers will need to rely heavily on variations in pace to contain the flow of runs.
When and How to Watch: Live Streaming and Broadcast Details
For cricket fans in India, the NZ vs WI 3rd T20I will be an early morning start. The match begins at 5:45 AM IST.
Sony Sports Network is the official broadcaster for the series in India. The match will be telecast live on their channels. For live streaming, fans can tune in via the Sony LIV app or its official website.
Predicted Playing XIs for the Decisive Clash
Based on current form and team combinations, here are the likely line-ups for this crucial game:
New Zealand: Devon Conway (wk), Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, Daryll Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (C), Ish Sodhi, Zakary Foulkes, Kyle Jamieson, Jacob Duffy.
West Indies: Alick Athanaze, Brandon King, Ackeem Auguste, Shai Hope (c & wk), Rovman Powell, Roston Chase, Romario Shepherd, Jason Holder, Matthew Forde, Akeal Hosein, Jayden Seales.
Historically, New Zealand leads the head-to-head record 11-6 in 22 T20Is against West Indies, making them slight favorites. However, with the series on the line, expect a fiercely contested battle under the Nelson sun.
