New Zealand clinched a dramatic 9-run victory over West Indies on November 9, 2025, at Saxton Oval in Nelson, seizing a crucial 2-1 lead in their five-match T20I series. But that wasn’t even the biggest story! Legendary spinner Ish Sodhi etched his name into the history books, becoming the third-leading wicket-taker in men’s T20I cricket.
Key Takeaways
- Ish Sodhi is now the third-highest wicket-taker in men’s T20I history with 156 scalps.
- He surpassed Mustafizur Rahman’s 155 wickets during the 3rd T20I.
- New Zealand secured a 9-run victory against West Indies in a thrilling encounter.
- This win gives New Zealand a 2-1 series lead in the five-match series.
- Sodhi was named Player of the Match for his impactful 3/34 performance.
Match Turning Points
Honestly, this match had everything. New Zealand posted a competitive total thanks to a brilliant fifty from Devon Conway and a solid 41 runs from Daryl Mitchell. You thought they were in control, right? But then the West Indies launched an unbelievable late charge.
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Despite an early collapse, Romario Shepherd (49 runs off 34 balls) and Shamar Springer (39 runs off 20 balls) stitched together a massive 78-run 9th-wicket partnership. They made it a proper nail-biter, pushing New Zealand right to the edge. What a comeback from the Windies!
Ish Sodhi’s Record-Breaking Spell
Yeah, but the night belonged to Ish Sodhi. He was awarded Player of the Match for his impactful bowling performance, snaring 3 wickets for just 34 runs. But that’s not just a good spell; it was historic. Sodhi now boasts 156 T20I scalps, moving past Mustafizur Rahman’s 155.
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He now ranks only behind the legendary Rashid Khan (182 wickets) and his New Zealand teammate Tim Southee (164 wickets) in the all-time list. Think about that for a second. That’s some elite company. Sodhi’s consistency has been just incredible over the years, hasn’t it?
Expert Analysis
Reports from The Daily Jagran and Cricket World highlighted Sodhi’s achievement as a key moment in New Zealand cricket. His ability to perform under pressure and break records speaks volumes about his expertise and enduring impact on the game. Analysts suggest this win, fueled by Sodhi’s heroics, provides a significant psychological boost for the Black Caps.
This 2-1 series lead, coming after West Indies snatched the 1st T20I by 7 runs and New Zealand leveled with a narrow 3-run victory, shows just how tight this series is. Every match is a battle. And having a bowler like Sodhi who can turn the tide? Priceless.
Social Media Storm
You know social media absolutely erupted after that thrilling finish and Sodhi’s record. Fans couldn’t stop talking about the epic Shepherd-Springer partnership and then how New Zealand just held on. But honestly, the buzz was all about Sodhi. People were flooding feeds with praise, calling him a modern T20 legend.
Hashtags like #IshSodhi and #NZvsWI were trending instantly, with cricket enthusiasts sharing highlight reels and celebrating his consistent wicket-taking prowess. Everyone wants to know if he can catch Southee next. It’s a huge talking point across the cricketing world right now!
What’s Next?
So, New Zealand now holds a commanding 2-1 lead. But don’t count out the West Indies; they showed incredible fight. With Kane Williamson having already announced his retirement from T20 Internationals on November 2, 2025, every game feels like a new chapter for New Zealand. Can they seal the series early?
The remaining matches promise more fireworks. You won’t want to miss a single ball. What do you think, can Ish Sodhi climb even higher on that all-time wicket-takers list before the series is over?