HIGHLIGHTS New Zealand vs West Indies, West Indies in New Zealand 5 T20I Series 2025, 5th T20- Result, Scorecard

Welcome back for the second essay. Tim Robinson and Devon Conway stride out to open the innings for New Zealand. It will be Matthew Forde to begin with the ball for the West Indies. Here we go!

.. THE RUN CHASE ...

Right then, with every Kiwi bowler chipping in and Jacob Duffy leading the charge with four wickets, New Zealand now need 141 to clinch the series. With the form their batters are in and the depth in their lineup, they’ll back themselves to chase this down comfortably. However, the West Indies will be hoping for a standout performance - perhaps from Jason Holder or Matthew Forde to spark a turnaround, but it’ll take a collective effort from everyone if they are to level the series. Join us in a bit for the Black Caps' reply.

Jacob Duffy, the standout bowler for New Zealand, is up for a chat. He says that the wickets in the Powerplay help them well. Adds that the West Indies bat deep, so they had to keep going hard. Shares that he had some help from the wicket early on, so wanted to keep bowling at a good line and length. Mentions that constant work to keep doing the basics and using the change-ups effectively helps. Ends by adding that usually 140 is below par score on this ground, and he backs the batters to get the job done.

West Indies stuck to their usual attacking approach, continuing to swing freely despite losing wickets at regular intervals. Sherfane Rutherford and Shai Hope once again failed to make an impact, which will surely be a growing concern for them. It was Roston Chase and Jason Holder who brought some stability with a 42-run partnership, helping the total look somewhat respectable. Romario Shepherd then gave another spirited effort, smashing a quickfire 36 off 22, but with little support from the rest, those three were the only notable contributions in the innings.

A brilliant bowling display from New Zealand! After winning the toss, they made full use of the overcast conditions, with Jacob Duffy striking thrice in his second over to set the tone early. From there on, the West Indies never managed to find their footing and eventually crumbled for a modest total of 140.

James Neesham to Jayden Seales, OUT! ALL OVER FOR THE WEST INDIES! Fuller than a length, on off. Jayden Seales clears the front leg and lifts it off the toe end toward the wide mid off region. Daryl Mitchell settles under it and completes a safe catch. West Indies are dismissed for 140 with more than an over to spare in their innings.

James Neesham to Shamar Springer, Short and just outside off. Shamar Springer clears the front leg and pulls it to long on for one.

James Neesham to Shamar Springer, Back of a length outside off. Shamar Springer winds up and miscues his pull over the bowler's head for a couple.

James Neesham to Shamar Springer, Good length delivery outside off. Shamar Springer looks to carve through the off-side, swings and misses.

Jacob Duffy to Jayden Seales, Good length on middle. Seales closes the face, and it pops up safely off the leading edge towards cover.

Jayden Seales is the last batter for the West Indies.

Jacob Duffy to Romario Shepherd, OUT! IN THE AIR AND GONE! Short of a good length delivery, just outside off. Romario Shepherd swings hard and looks to make it three in the over, but gets a top edge on this one that skies toward the deep mid on region. Neesham comes in from the ropes and gobbles the chance. Shepherd falls for a quick 36 off 22 and West Indies are 137/9!

Jacob Duffy to Romario Shepherd, DROPPED! Short and wide outside off. Shepherd slaps it flat in the air out towards deep cover. Robinson sprints in off the rope and dives forward, but can't quite hold onto what would have been a stunning catch.

Jacob Duffy to Romario Shepherd, SIX MORE! Short and wide, slower ball outside off. Romario Shepherd winds up and belts this one a very long way over the long on boundary for another biggie.

Jacob Duffy to Romario Shepherd, SIX! UP AND AWAY! Banged in short, just outside off. Romario Shepherd picks it early and pulls it off the top edge over the long leg boundary for a maximum.

Jacob Duffy to Romario Shepherd, WIDE! Short of a good length, and outside the tramline on the off-side. Romario Shepherd plays and misses. Another Wide.

Jacob Duffy to Romario Shepherd, WIDE! Short ball, well outside off. Romario Shepherd swings and looks to carve, but fails to connect. Wide given.

Jacob Duffy to Shamar Springer, Short of a good length, just outside off. Shamar Springer dabs it down to deep third for one.

Jacob Duffy (3-0-18-3) is back into the attack.

Mitchell Santner to Romario Shepherd, Flatter and quicker outside off. Romario Shepherd cuts and picks out the man at backward point.

Mitchell Santner to Romario Shepherd, SIX! BANG! Dropped short, angled into the middle. Romario Shepherd picks it early and dispatches it over the deep mid-wicket fence for a punishing hit.

Mitchell Santner to Shamar Springer, Tossed up on a length, and around off. Shamar Springer pushes it through covers for a single.

Mitchell Santner to Romario Shepherd, Tad short, on off. Romario Shepherd goes back and pulls it on the bounce to long on for a single.

Mitchell Santner to Romario Shepherd, Flatter and quicker on the middle and leg. Romario Shepherd looks to defend and gets the inside edge, that rolls onto the pitch.

Mitchell Santner to Shamar Springer, Flatter arm ball on off. Shamar Springer knocks it down to long on for a single.

James Neesham to Romario Shepherd, FOUR! LUCKY, BUT THEY ALL COUNT! Short of a length ball, around the left shoulder. Romario Shepherd gets inside the line and helps it over the keeper, and rolls away to the boundary.

James Neesham to Shamar Springer, Pitched full, on off. Shamar Springer eases it down to long off for one.

James Neesham to Romario Shepherd, Back of a length delivery, outside off. Romario Shepherd pulls it toward deep mid-wicket for one.

James Neesham to Shamar Springer, Good length delivery, just outside off. Shamar Springer stabs it to the right of the keeper for a single.

James Neesham to Romario Shepherd, Fuller than a good length, on the middle. Romario Shepherd chips it on the bounce to long on for a single.

James Neesham to Shamar Springer, Fuller than a length and outside off. Shamar Springer drives it to deep cover for a single.

Ish Sodhi to Romario Shepherd, An appeal for LBW, but the umpire turns it down. Tosses it on a length, spins back into the middle and leg stump line. Romario Shepherd comes forward to defend, but plays the wrong line and wears it on the pad. Mitchell Santner feels it is close and takes the review. The ball tracking shows it as clipping the leg pole, and the umpire's call of NOT OUT stays.

Ish Sodhi to Romario Shepherd, FOUR! UPPISH AND SAFE! Floated full and throws it outside off. Romario Shepherd goes hard for the drive, gets the outside edge that flies over the short third fielder and runs away to the ropes for another boundary. 100 comes up for the West Indies.

Ish Sodhi to Romario Shepherd, Flatter leg break, around off. Romario Shepherd cuts it to the man at extra cover.

Ish Sodhi to Romario Shepherd, FOUR! NICELY DONE! Shortish and outside off. Romario Shepherd gets on top of the bounce and cuts it through the gap at the backward point region for a much needed boundary.

Ish Sodhi to Romario Shepherd, Flatter googly, on the middle. Romario Shepherd stays back and defends.

Ish Sodhi to Romario Shepherd, Tad short, and skids through around off. Romario Shepherd looks to cut and misses.

Mitchell Santner to Shamar Springer, Flatter delivery, around off. Shamar Springer knocks it back to the bowler.

Shamar Springer is the new man in at number 10.

Mitchell Santner to Matthew Forde, OUT! IN THE AIR AND GONE! Mitchell Santner bowls it short and quick, on the middle and leg stump line. Matthew Forde is early into the pull shot and miscues it toward the wide mid on region. James Neesham runs in from the boundary and takes a sharp catch. West Indies are in deep trouble now.

Mitchell Santner to Romario Shepherd, LEG BYE! Flatter and quicker arm ball, on the leg. Romario Shepherd tucks it off the hip, rolls toward short fine leg, and they take a leg bye.

Mitchell Santner to Romario Shepherd, Quicker on leg stump. Romario Shepherd looks to flick and misses. Wears it high on the front pad instead.

Mitchell Santner to Romario Shepherd, WIDE! Mitchell Santner drags it short and lands it well outside the tramline on the off-side. Romario Shepherd lets it go. Wide given.

Mitchell Santner to Romario Shepherd, Flatter and drifting down the leg. Romario Shepherd swings and misses. Gets a thud on the pad.

Mitchell Santner to Romario Shepherd, Flatter and quicker arm ball, at the sticks. Romario Shepherd knocks it back to the bowler.

Ish Sodhi to Matthew Forde, Floated full, a hint of spin, on off. Matthew Forde presses forward and keeps it out.

Ish Sodhi to Matthew Forde, Tosses it full, around off. Forde looks to drag it through the leg side but gets the inside edge that rolls toward short fine leg.

Matthew Forde comes in at number 9.

Ish Sodhi to Jason Holder, OUT! CAUGHT! Ish Sodhi strikes and a soft dismissal for Holder. Short and wide delivery, outside off. Jason Holder stays back and looks to cut through the off-side but hits it straight to James Neesham at the backward point region, who makes no mistake. West Indies slide further as both set batters are gone now.

Ish Sodhi to Romario Shepherd, Tad short, on off. Romario Shepherd swats it toward the deep square leg. Some fine work from Rachin Ravindra near the ropes keeps it to a single.

Ish Sodhi to Jason Holder, Flatter leg break, just outside off. Holder works it through mid-wicket for a single.

Ish Sodhi to Jason Holder, Tossed up on a length, googly on off. Holder defends from the crease.

Romario Shepherd comes in at number 8.

James Neesham to Roston Chase, OUT! EDGED AND GONE! James Neesham gets among the wickets! Bowls it short of a length, and close to the off-stump line. Roston Chase rides with the bounce and looks to carve it over the deep point region, but only manages to get the outside edge that nestles into the gloves of Conway behind the stumps. West Indies are six down.

James Neesham to Jason Holder, Short of a good length, around off. Stabbed toward short third for one.

James Neesham to Roston Chase, On a hard length, on off. Chase shimmies down and hits it on the up toward mid off. A bit of fumble from Mitchell Santner, and they take a single.

James Neesham to Jason Holder, Back of a length, around off. Holder pulls it through mid-wicket and settles for a single.

James Neesham to Roston Chase, Skiddy length ball, around off. Chase dabs it through the short third and takes one.

James Neesham to Roston Chase, Back of a length, around off. Chase slaps it on the bounce to the man at mid off.

Michael Bracewell to Roston Chase, Fuller and quicker outside off. Chase reaches for it and slices the drive toward deep cover for a single.

Michael Bracewell to Jason Holder, Low full toss at the sticks. Holder eases it to long on for a single.

Michael Bracewell to Roston Chase, Tad short, on off. Chase works this through mid-wicket for a single.

Michael Bracewell to Jason Holder, Tossed up on a length, on the middle and leg. Holder nudges it toward backward square leg for a single.

Michael Bracewell to Jason Holder, SIX! STRAIGHT AS AN ARROW! Floated full, in the slot on the middle. Holder picks it early and pumps it over the bowler toward the sight screen for a biggie.

Michael Bracewell to Roston Chase, Flatter and quicker on off. Chase knocks it down to long on for a single.

DRINKS! At the halfway mark, New Zealand will be the happier side, with already sending half of the Windies side back in the hut. Jacob Duffy was superb with the new ball, dismantling the top order in just one over. The Kiwis will hope that they build on that and keep picking wickets as they know this West Indies side bats very deep and can change gears in the blink of an eye. The spin trio of the hosts will hold the key to how things go from here on. An exciting phase of cricket awaits us.

Ish Sodhi to Jason Holder, FOUR! Sloppy! Slows it up, full and outisde off, Jason Holder tries to reach out for it but gets a top edge on the bounce towards short third. Jacob Duffy fails to judge the spin of the ball and lets it through for a boundary.

Ish Sodhi to Jason Holder, Tosses it full and spins away further, around off. Jason Holder swings and misses.

Ish Sodhi to Roston Chase, Goes short and on middle, Roston Chase nudges it to deep mid-wicket for one.

Ish Sodhi to Roston Chase, RUN OUT CHANCE..MISSED! Flatter, short and on off, Roston Chase dabs it towards point. Jason Holder sets off for the run, but is sent back when he is already halfway through the pitch. The fielder picks up and has shy at the bowler's end. Sodhi should have been behind the stumps. Holder survives!

Ish Sodhi to Roston Chase, Tossed up, full and around off, turns away, Roston Chase goes down and tries to drill it away but gets a bottom edge onto his pads.

Ish Sodhi to Roston Chase, SIX! Powered away! Ish Sodhi bowls a half tracker, on middle. Roston Chase picks up the length quickly, rocks back and heaves it over the deep mid-wicket fence for a flat six.

Mitchell Santner to Roston Chase, Another short ball, on off, Roston Chase stays back and works it to deep mid-wicket for one more.

Mitchell Santner to Jason Holder, Short again and on leg, Jason Holder nudges it to square leg for one.

Mitchell Santner to Roston Chase, Goes short and on middle, Roston Chase nudges it towards mid-wicket for a run.

Mitchell Santner to Roston Chase, Close! Tossed up, full and on middle, Roston Chase uses his feet to go big down the ground but gets an inside edge just past the stumps. Devon Conway also fails to get anything on that as it rolls towards fine leg. Two taken.

Mitchell Santner to Jason Holder, Arm ball, full and on middle, angling in, Jason Holder tucks it to the leg side and sets off for the run. Santner runs to his right, slidies and has a shy at the bowler's end all in one motion but misses the stumps.

Mitchell Santner to Jason Holder, Flatter, short and on off, Jason Holder stays back and blocks it out.

Third straight over of spin. Mitchell Santner brings himself into the attack now.

Ish Sodhi to Jason Holder, Drags his length back, on off, Jason Holder punches it to long on for one more.

Ish Sodhi to Roston Chase, Floated, full and on middle, Roston Chase clips it through mid-wicket for one.

Ish Sodhi to Jason Holder, Flatter, short and on off, Jason Holder stabs it out towards point and scampers across for a run.

Ish Sodhi to Jason Holder, Almost dragged on! A slider now, full and on off, angles in, Jason Holder stays back to defend but gets a bottom edge. It bounces on the pitch before hitting his pads and almost rolls onto the stumps.

Ish Sodhi to Roston Chase, A bit short and on off, Roston Chase punches it through cover-point for a single.

Ish Sodhi to Roston Chase, FOUR! Ish Sodhi starts with a loosener! He serves a juicy full toss, on middle, Roston Chase shows the full face of the bat and thumps it over the bowler's head for a boundary.

Spin from both ends as Ish Sodhi comes into the attack as well.

Michael Bracewell to Jason Holder, Quicker, shortish and on middle, Jason Holder pats it back to the bowler.

Michael Bracewell to Jason Holder, Flighted, full and on off, Jason Holder drives it straight to short cover.

Michael Bracewell to Roston Chase, Tossed up, full and on middle, Roston Chase whips it off the inside half of the bat towards deep mid-wicket for one more. 50 up for West Indies!

Michael Bracewell to Jason Holder, Short and on middle, Jason Holder nudges it through square leg for one.

Jason Holder comes out to the middle now.

Michael Bracewell to Rovman Powell, OUT! TAKEN! Michael Bracewell gets a big wicket in his first over! He sees the batter advance and bowls this flatter, full and outside off. Rovman Powell skips down the track to go big but has to reach out for it a bit in the end. He ends up getting a top edge that goes in the air towards deep point, where Mark Chapman runs forward and takes a nice catch. Powell departs for 11 off 8, and the Windies lose half their side now!

Michael Bracewell to Roston Chase, Shorter in length and on off, Roston Chase punches it to long on for a single.

Doubel change? Yes, time for some spin as Michael Bracewell replaces Jacob Duffy.

James Neesham to Rovman Powell, SIX! BANG! James Neesham pitches it up again, on middle, in the slot as well. Rovman Powell clears his front leg away and slogs it over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie. West Indies are 47/4 at the end of the Powerplay!

James Neesham to Roston Chase, Good length and around off, Roston Chase guides it through point for one.

James Neesham to Roston Chase, FOUR! Fuller in length and on middle, Roston Chase presents the full face of the bat and lifts it over mid on, but not with perfect timing. Kyle Jamieson chases after it and dives to push it back inside with his right hand, but at the same time, his left hand is touching the ropes. The replays confirms it is a boundary.

James Neesham to Rovman Powell, Short again, on middle, Rovman Powell swats it through mid-wicket for a run.

James Neesham to Roston Chase, Back of a length and around off, Roston Chase cuts it to deep point for a run.

James Neesham to Roston Chase, Short of a length and on middle, Roston Chase tries to pull it away but gets it from the upper half of his bat. It flies in the air but lands safely in the vacant deep mid-wicket region. Two taken.

James Neesham comes into the attack as the first bowling change.

Jacob Duffy to Rovman Powell, FOUR! Gets it away! Fuller and just around off, Rovman Powell tries to loft it over covers, but his bat turns a bit in his hand. He ends up slicing it over point for a boundary.

Jacob Duffy to Roston Chase, Pitched up and on off, Roston Chase drills it towards mid off for a quick single.

Jacob Duffy to Roston Chase, Nicely bowled! Jacob Duffy hits the length hard in that channel outside off, gets it to hold its line. Roston Chase tries to play it from the crease but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Jacob Duffy to Rovman Powell, Good-length delivery, on middle, skids thorugh, Rovman Powell fails to flick it away as the ball goes off thigh pad towards backward point. A leg bye taken.

Jacob Duffy to Rovman Powell, On a length and on middle, Rovman Powell clips it to short mid-wicket.

Jacob Duffy to Rovman Powell, Right on the money! Fuller and on middle, attacking the stumps, Rovman Powell watches it through and blocks it out.

Kyle Jamieson to Roston Chase, BEATEN! Kyle Jamieson lands this back of a length and around off, gets it to shape away with extra bounce. Roston Chase pushes hard at it away from his body as the ball zips past the outside edge.

Kyle Jamieson to Roston Chase, On a length and on off, Roston Chase pushes it to short cover.

Kyle Jamieson to Roston Chase, Hits the length hard, on middle, angling in sharply. Roston Chase steps across to glance it away but it goes off his pads to the keeper.

Kyle Jamieson to Roston Chase, WIDE! Fuller but way outside off, Roston Chase leaves it alone. Wided.

Kyle Jamieson to Roston Chase, Good length and on middle, jags back in, Roston Chase keeps it out to the leg side.

Kyle Jamieson to Roston Chase, FOUR! Up and over! Pitched up and around middle, Roston Chase manages to get underneath it and lofts it. Not from the middle of the bat but has enough to get it over the mid on fielder for a boundary.

Kyle Jamieson to Roston Chase, Fuller and on middle, shaping in a bit, Roston Chase tucks it to short mid-wicket.

Jacob Duffy to Rovman Powell, Good length and well outside off, holds its line, Rovman Powell leaves it alone. Just 1 runs and 3 wickets off the over. Incredible stuff!

Rovman Powell walks out to bat way earlier than he would have expected.

Jacob Duffy to Sherfane Rutherford, OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Would you believe it? Jacob Duffy has three in the over. Sherfane Rutherford's horror run with the bat continues. This is short of a length and well outside off, angling further away. Rutherford comes charging down the track and just throws his bat at it. Gets a thin outside edge behind, where Devon Conway makes no mistake. Rutherford goes back for a duck, and West Indies are four down now!

Jacob Duffy to Sherfane Rutherford, BEATEN! Hits the length hard, on off, gets it shape away, Sherfane Rutherford has a poke at it but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Sherfane Rutherford is the next man in.

Jacob Duffy to Ackeem Auguste, OUT! BOWLED'EM! Jacob Duffy with the doube-strike in the over! He steams in from over the wicket, serves this full and on middle, shaping it in a shy bit. Ackeem Auguste tries to work it away but gets beaten by the pace and movement as the ball goes through to uproot the leg stump out of the ground. Absolute gem of a delivery. West Indies are 21/3 and in big trouble now!

Jacob Duffy to Roston Chase, On a length and on middle, Roston Chase clips it through square leg for a single.

Roston Chase comes out to the middle now.

Jacob Duffy to Shai Hope, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Jacob Duffy strikes now! He bangs in a well-directed bouncer, on middle. Shai Hope tries to take it on with a pull shot but the ball gets big on him. It takes the top edge and goes straight up in the air. Devon Conway, the keeper calls for it, comes forward and pouches it safely into his gloves. Hope falls cheaply again, and the Windies lose both the openers.

Kyle Jamieson to Ackeem Auguste, FOUR! Lovely shot! Short of a length and just around off. Ackeem Auguste once again rides the bounce well and slaps it through extra cover for a boundary.

Kyle Jamieson to Ackeem Auguste, Hits the length hard and just outisde off, angling away, Ackeem Auguste leaves it alone.

Kyle Jamieson to Ackeem Auguste, FOUR! Put away! Kyle Jamieson bangs this into the pitch, on middle. Ackeem Auguste gets on top of the bounce nicely, swivels and pulls it away to the deep square leg fence for a boundary.

Kyle Jamieson to Ackeem Auguste, On a length and on middle, Ackeem Auguste tucks it to short mid-wicket.

Ackeem Auguste walks out to bat at number 3.

Kyle Jamieson to Alick Athanaze, OUT! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! Kyle Jamieson draws first blood! He lands this on a good length, on middle, gets some extra bounce again. Alick Athanaze stays back in his crease and tries to play at it but fails to get on top of it. It lobs up off the splice of the bat towards the bowler, where Jamieson uses every inch of his body to leap up and grab it with both hands above his head. Athanaze falls for 1 off 4, and West Indies are 12/1!

Kyle Jamieson to Alick Athanaze, Kyle Jamieson begins with a back-of-a-length delivery around off, gets some extra bounce. Alick Athanaze tries to cut it away but misses.

Kyle Jamieson to share the attack.

Jacob Duffy to Shai Hope, FOUR! A boundary to end the first over! Pitched up and on off, Shai Hope tries to loft it down the ground but his bottom hand comes off the bat. However, he manages to get enough power to clear mid off with ease for four runs. 12 runs off the over!

Jacob Duffy to Shai Hope, Touch fuller, on middle, angling in, Shai Hope knocks it to mid on.

Jacob Duffy to Alick Athanaze, Back of a length and around off, Alick Athanaze steers it through backward point for a run.

Jacob Duffy to Alick Athanaze, Good-length delivery, on middle and off, Alick Athanaze stays back and blocks it out.

Jacob Duffy to Shai Hope, Goes fuller and on middle, shaping in, Shai Hope works it off the inner half of the bat through square leg for a single.

Jacob Duffy to Shai Hope, SIX! West Indies get underway in streaky fashion! Jacob Duffy starts with a short-of-a-length delivery, outside off. Shai Hope sees the width on offer and slashes hard at it. Gets a big top edge that flies all the way over the deep third fence for a biggie.

We are all set to begin! It is a chilly afternoon here in Dunedin, but it is still a packed out crowd here. The players are making thier way out to the middle now. Shai Hope and Alick Athanaze are the two openers for West Indies. Jacob Duffy has the new ball in hand and is raring to go. Let's play...

Mark Chapman of New Zealand is up for a quick chat. He says that this has been a great and closely-contested series, and hopes for another good day here in Dunedin. Adds that it was good to perform at Eden Park, but then he missed the game and the last one was a washout, but he is happy to contrubute for the team. Says that it has been a topsy-turvy season for him, but he is feeling good.

PITCH REPORT - Ian Bishop is pitchside. He says that it is not ideal weather conditions for cricket. Adds that the square boundaries are 63 meters either side, while the straight hit is 74 meters. Mentions that the if the pacers can hit the 6-8 meter length, they will get the rewards. Mark Richardson joins him and says that there is some damp grass on this wicket, that will provide some pace and bounce for the bowlers, but also expect runs to be scored here.

West Indies (Playing XI) - Alick Athanaze, Shai Hope (C/WK), Ackeem Auguste, Roston Chase, Sherfane Rutherford, Rovman Powell, Jason Holder, Matthew Forde, Romario Shepherd, Shamar Springer, Jayden Seales (In place of Amir Jangoo).

New Zealand (Unchanged Playing XI) - Tim Robinson, Devon Conway (WK), Rachin Ravindra, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner (C), Kyle Jamieson, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy.

TOSS - New Zealand have won the toss and elected to BOWL first.

West Indies’ campaign has been a case of 'so near, yet so far.' Romario Shepherd has nearly taken them home on a couple of occasions - first alongside Rovman Powell, then with Shamar Springer, but they’ve just fallen short each time. Shai Hope’s dip in form remains a concern, while Alick Athanaze has managed some runs without quite settling into the role of an opener in this format. The Windies will need more support from the rest of their batting unit. With Jason Holder and Matthew Forde leading the charge with the ball, they’ll once again bank on that pair to make a similar impact and help the team finish the series on even ground. Stay tuned for toss and other updates.

New Zealand have undoubtedly been the stronger side so far, though they’ve had to depend on Kyle Jamieson’s composure in a couple of last-over nail-biters. Tim Robinson, Devon Conway, and Mark Chapman have chipped in with vital contributions, while Mitchell Santner’s leadership and all-round brilliance have held the side together. With Ish Sodhi and Jacob Duffy impressing with the ball, the Kiwis look well-balanced. They carry the momentum heading into this clash, and if they can iron out their death-bowling concerns, they’ll be a tough unit to stop.

Hello and a warm welcome, folks! After three thrilling contests and one rain-affected game, we’ve arrived at the University Oval in Dunedin for the series decider. New Zealand hold a 2-1 lead, ensuring they can’t lose the series, but a draw is hardly what they’d be aiming for here. As for the West Indies, they’ll be eager to turn things around and level the ledger with a strong finish to deny the hosts full honors.

... MATCH DAY ...

The T20I series between New Zealand and West Indies is down to its final chapter. After three edge-of-the-seat thrillers, the fourth game in Nelson was washed out. We hope for better fortunes as the action moves to the University of Otago Oval in Dunedin. The series stands at 2-1 in favour of the hosts. While the Windies can no longer win the series, they have a chance to level it and finish on a high. Alick Athanaze has got starts in every game so far, but the big score has remained elusive. Although the tourists bat deep, they will need the experience of Rovman Powell, Roston Chase, and captain Shai Hope to come good if they are to deny the Kiwis a series win. On the bowling front, Jason Holder and Akeal Hosein have been on the expensive side, particularly surprising in Hosein’s case, given his strong T20 reputation. Matthew Forde has been impressive with the ball, while Jayden Seales has struggled to make an impact and will have a big role to play if recalled. From New Zealand’s perspective, Devon Conway and Mark Chapman finding form in the third T20I was a welcome sign after a run of low scores. Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, and Tim Robinson, however, will be keen to make their presence felt after quiet outings. In the bowling department, Jacob Duffy has led the pace attack effectively, with Ish Sodhi standing out among the spinners. Kiwi skipper Mitchell Santner has been uncharacteristically expensive but has made important contributions with the bat. The last three T20I series between these two sides in New Zealand have all gone the way of the home team. Can the Windies break that trend and carry some momentum into the upcoming ODI series? We shall find out.