New Zealand have won the 3rd ODI from West Indies by 6 wickets. New Zealand continued their impressive form with a comfortable victory over the West Indies in the third ODI, taking a 2-1 lead in the five-match series. A disciplined bowling effort followed by a composed chase helped the visitors secure back-to-back wins and move within one victory of sealing the series.
Asked to bat first West Indies started positively but failed to build on the early momentum in the 3rd ODI against New Zealand.
The innings took a major blow when opener John Campbell suffered a hamstring injury and had to leave the field on a stretcher. His departure disrupted the hosts’ rhythm, and wickets began to fall at regular intervals.
Keacy Carty fought hard with a determined 48, while Shimron Hetmyer and Ackeem Auguste were the only other batters to reach double figures. However, no meaningful partnerships developed, and the innings never recovered.
New Zealand’s bowlers dominated throughout. Debutant Jacob Duffy provided an early breakthrough before left-arm spinner Jayden Lennox took control with an impressive four-wicket haul. Captain Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell also made important contributions, claiming two wickets each as West Indies were dismissed for another below-par total.
New Zealand approached the chase with patience rather than aggression.
The opening pair safely negotiated the Powerplay without losing a wicket and ensured there was no early pressure despite the modest target.
Although wickets fell at regular intervals during the middle overs, the visitors never lost control of the chase. Every batter, apart from Mark Chapman, contributed at least 20 runs, keeping the scoreboard moving steadily.
West Indies briefly raised hopes after reducing New Zealand to 89 for 4. Fast bowler Vitel Lawes produced an energetic spell, claiming three quick wickets, while Khary Pierre added another by dismissing Daryl Mitchell.
However, the hosts could not maintain that momentum.
Tom Latham remained calm under pressure and anchored the chase with an unbeaten innings. He found excellent support from Dean Foxcroft, and together they added an unbroken 52-run partnership that guided New Zealand home with more than 10 overs remaining.
West Indies showed determination with the ball but were ultimately let down by their batting performance in the 3rd ODI against New Zealand.
Defending a modest score always required early wickets, but New Zealand’s openers denied them that opportunity. Although Lawes briefly brought the contest back to life, the total simply proved too small to defend.
The hosts will also be concerned after failing to post competitive totals in consecutive matches, leaving their bowlers with little margin for error.
The victory gives New Zealand a commanding 2-1 lead and puts them within one win of claiming the ODI series.
The visitors once again impressed with a complete team performance. Their bowlers controlled the game from the outset, while the batters handled the chase with maturity and composure.
West Indies now face a must-win situation in the remaining matches. They will need a significant improvement with the bat if they hope to level the series and keep their chances alive.