New Zealand may have won the third T20I of the ongoing five-match series against West Indies, but not before Romario Shepherd and Shamar Springer put on a show with the bat. The Kiwis ultimately managed to hang on to secure a nine-run win at the Saxton Oval in Nelson.

The duo of Shepherd and Springer put on 78 off just 39 balls for the ninth wicket to take the chase deep. This partnership was the highest for the ninth or tenth wicket in a T20I involving full-member sides. The stand ended when Springer was dismissed on the final delivery of the penultimate over.

Speaking of the match, opting to bat first, the hosts scored 177/9 in their quota. After a couple of low scores on the trot, stumper-batter Devon Conway finally got going and scored a half-century (56 off 34). Daryl Mitchell powered his way through to a 24-ball 41. The last six in the order all registered single-digit scores, though. Matthew Forde was the pick of the bowlers with 2/20 in four overs.

Although the West Indies got off to a decent start in the power play, things quickly fell apart post that. They were reduced to 88/8 midway through the 13th over. Shepherd, who was batting on 13, was joined by Springer in the middle. They commenced their onslaught and almost made the Windies cross the finish line.

The fourth T20I was played today (November 10) at the same venue, but was washed out due to rain. The fifth and final one will be played in Dunedin on November 13. The final game of the series will have the hosts enter the match with a 2-1 lead, whereas the visiting side has an excellent chance to draw level. The three-match ODI leg will follow the T20I series, post which three Tests will be played in December.