West Indies vs New Zealand, 3rd ODI at Bridgetown, WI v NZ, Aug 21 2022 - Ball by Ball Commentary

Thank you for joining us, we hope you enjoyed our coverage. Signing off is me, Ekanth, on behalf of Himanshu, Chandan, and Vairavan.

New Zealand's players are in smiles and cheers with the trophy, their first series win in West Indies. They did it without Kane Williamson with victories that weren't straightforward. For the hosts, this was the last game in their World Super League fixtures. They currently stand seventh on the points table. Their qualification will be subject to the results of other games.

Tom Latham, POTM: It was nice to contribute. The partnership between Daryl and me was set with a target in mind at the 40 overs mark. We did that quite well. We didn't build stands in the first two games, we did that. Neesham's performance was the icing on top. It was a better wicket today, they were 170 for none. But we knew the target and put partnerships together. We did well after not doing as much in the last two games. (On first series win in WI) It's nice to come here where it's been challenging to put up performances when the game is in the balance makes me happy.

Nicholas Pooran: Tough one. 300+ on that wicket felt good. One or two wickets more in the powerplay would have helped but they played well. When it got wet, we saw how tough it got. In hindsight, everyone will talk about starting slow. But we had discussed not giving away wickets to Boult and Southee and capitalise. But they are a top team. I do believe we have a special bunch of guys and have no doubt we will get better with experience. It was difficult with the ball once it got wet. We let go the chance of winning the second and this happened. We won the first, lost the second and we came here, committed and fought. We will learn and have better ways.

Mitchell Santner, POTS: It's nice, it was a great game and a hard fought series. Happy with the win. Conditions changed a lot. Second innings is harder with a wetter ball. Adapting is tough, we did well in the chase. Today's track looked good. Big boys up top did well restricting runs. They did well to put up a big score. We did well in the chase. I was happy to go in if needed (laughs)

10:43 pm: In a tough chase, New Zealand did not start at their best. Allen fell early but Guptill and Conway took over scoring. The partnership-stringing started their and never stopped. Latham and Mitchell came in and were seamless and effective. West Indies' bowling was decent but the fielding was poor. Joseph was unlucky, Holder was good, the spinners were decent. But the rain earlier in the day and the dew later on meant they often didn't grip the ball well. They had to change balls numerous times but nothing seemed to help. In the end, when they did make breakthroughs, Neesham came in and finished off the game before the hosts could fight back.

Pooran brings himself on

Slim Shady: "This game is reminiscent to the last year's WC semifinal, Nz were chasing and were under a bit of pressure, Neesham came into the bat and immediately took on the spinners and swung the momentum towards his team "

JOYDEEPSINGHGIL: "Neesham already have played this kinda innings reminded me of t20 wc SF match against England where he played the same kinda innings like in this match"

Sinclair to bowl from around the wicket.

Hayden: "Neesham in a hurry for a post-match beer here..."

Pete: "Neesham showing his class here.Someone get that guy a NZC contract."

Tim: "Me: *holding my lucky rabbits foot, not stepping on any lines and stirring my tea clockwise exactly three times* No stress, we got this boys"

Thanks, Himanshu. Doubt it's going any place with a dry surface.