NZ vs WI: Live Streaming, Match Preview, Timings, Pitch Report and more for 3rd T20I

An imposing batting show. Check. Some crafty bowling. Check. Brilliant ground fielding. Check. New Zealand’s victory over West Indies in the second T20I had all the elements of a perfect game for them. They were clinical in every sense of the word and it was indeed no-nonsense stuff. A 46-ball century, the fastest for a New Zealander in T20Is, for Glenn Phillips might have stolen the show, but the hosts can be content with the way they have established themselves to be better than the reigning champions.

On the other hand, with over-dependence on certain key players, severe lack of discipline with the ball, and the inability of performing in tandem, West Indies have let the old problems haunt them and have simultaneously burdened themselves by letting in a couple of new ones too. For instance, they have a reputation of being a gun side when it comes to the intensity in the field. However, the Windies have been guilty of sloppy work not once but way too many times in this short span.

And these issues are well-reflected in where the West Indies – despite being the defending world champions; despite bragging the finest collection of players in their ranks – find themselves in the Men’s T20I rankings, and it seems like the skipper Kieron Pollard is aware. “When we’re bad, we go really bad”, stated a disappointed skipper after the 72-run loss on Sunday. That is, indeed, the issue with the men from the Caribbean: they are either black or white. There is nothing in between.

On the back of Glenn Phillips’ marvellous maiden ton and another impressive performance by Devon Conway, who was playing his second T20I, the Black Caps posted a massive target of 238. But unlike the previous game, the visitors failed to construct a platform at the start, whereas the middle-order lacked the zing too. After early breakthroughs, West Indies were in dire need of momentum, although the unimposing performance from Shimron Hetmyer and Nicholas Pooran, of course, did not help the team.

Some meaty blows from Pollard, Keemo Paul, and Fabian Allen did come in later, although it was too late in an anyway unlikely chase of 239. With the series gone to New Zealand, Pollard’s men would be out tomorrow at the Bay Oval to play for pride, and hopefully, open their account before heading into the Test series. For New Zealand, they would be certainly eyeing a whitewash after their unassailable lead.

Pitch and conditions

The track was evidently batting-friendly in the second game, and another run-fest can be expected on Monday. The weather forecast, however, does not look too promising, and rain interruptions are expected. 

Playing combinations for NZ vs WI

New Zealand 

Glenn Phillips was at his magnificent best in the second game, and Devon Conway played the perfect anchor role for him. Tim Southee has been rested for the last game, and so have Kyle Jamieson and Ross Taylor. In Southee’s absence, the captaincy charge has been rested with Mitchell Santner, and Mark Chapman, Doug Bracewell, and Scott Kuggeleijn have joined the squad to replace the three.

Probable XI: Martin Guptill, Tim Seifert (WK), Devon Conway, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Doug Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (C), Hamish Bennett, Lockie Ferguson, Ish Sodhi

West Indies 

Brandon King has not been able to leave a mark in both the games thus far, although he will pick himself alongside Andre Fletcher. Though Kieron Pollard has been in some form, the middle-order has been highly unsupportive as none amongst Shimron Hetmyer, Nicholas Pooran, and Rovman Powell have performed parallel to the expectations. West Indies were a bowler short in the second game, and they might play Kesrick Williams at the expense of Kyle Mayers.

Probable XI: Andre Fletcher, Brandon King, Shimron Hetmyer, Nicholas Pooran (WK), Rovman Powell, Kieron Pollard (c), Fabian Allen, Keemo Paul, Kyle Mayers/Kesrick Williams, Oshane Thomas, Sheldon Cottrell

NZ vs WI Head to Head

Played – 15 | NZ –9 | WI – 5 | NR – 1

NZ vs WI Broadcast details 

Match Timings- 11:30 AM (IST), 07:00 PM (Local)

Live Streaming– Fancode