NZ VS WI 2025
Romario ShepherdShamar SpringerT20 International

NZ Edges West Indies by 9 Runs; Shepherd, Springer’s Record 78-Run Stand Stuns Nelson Crowd

Shivansh Rana | 4 min read | 2 weeks ago | Nov 10, 2025 08:07 am IST
NZ Edges West Indies by 9 Runs; Shepherd, Springer's Record 78-Run Stand Stuns Nelson Crowd

Nelson just witnessed something truly wild! On November 9, 2025, the West Indies, from an almost impossible 88 for 8, nearly pulled off a sensational chase against New Zealand in the 3rd T20 International at Saxton Oval. Romario Shepherd and Shamar Springer delivered a record-breaking partnership that had everyone on the edge of their seats, even as New Zealand clinched a narrow nine-run victory, taking a 2-1 lead in the five-match series.

Key Takeaways

  • The 3rd T20I saw New Zealand beat West Indies by nine runs at Saxton Oval, Nelson.
  • West Indies were reeling at 88 for 8 in the 13th over, chasing 177 for 9.
  • Romario Shepherd (49 off 34) and Shamar Springer (39 off 20) built an extraordinary 78-run partnership for the ninth wicket.
  • This 78-run stand is the highest T20I partnership at No. 8 or below among full member nations.
  • New Zealand’s victory was anchored by Devon Conway’s 56 and Daryl Mitchell’s 41, with Jacob Duffy and Ish Sodhi taking three wickets each.

Match Turning Points

Look, New Zealand started strong after the West Indies won the toss and put them in. Devon Conway anchored the innings with a solid 56 runs, and Daryl Mitchell added a quick 41. They posted a challenging 177 for 9, which felt like a decent total on that pitch, right?

But then, the West Indies’ chase just fell apart. They crumbled to a shocking 88 for 8 by the 13th over. Seriously, it looked like game over. No one saw a comeback from that position, especially after losing their top order so cheaply.

And then, something incredible happened. Romario Shepherd and Shamar Springer, batting at No. 8 and No. 9 respectively, decided they weren’t done. They launched an absolutely stunning counter-attack, smashing 78 runs off just 39 deliveries for the ninth wicket. Shepherd hammered 49 from 34 balls, while Springer was even more explosive with 39 off 20. It was pure chaos, the good kind!

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Expert Analysis

Cricket pundits are calling this partnership historic, and honestly, they’re not wrong. This 78-run stand isn’t just a big number; it’s now officially the highest T20I partnership at No. 8 or below among full member nations. That’s insane! It’s also the West Indies’ highest-ever ninth-wicket partnership in T20 Internationals.

As one expert from Cricket.com noted, "From 88/8, West Indies nearly chase down 178 thanks to Shepherd-Springer record stand." This highlights the sheer audacity and skill involved. While New Zealand’s Conway and Mitchell set the stage, it was the clinical bowling of Jacob Duffy and Ish Sodhi, who both grabbed three wickets, that ultimately secured their side’s victory.

Social Media Storm

Oh, you know social media went wild after that finish! Fans couldn’t believe what they were seeing. One minute, West Indies looked completely out of it, the next, they were almost there. People were tweeting non-stop about Shepherd and Springer’s heroics, calling it one of the most thrilling collapses and comebacks they’d ever witnessed.

The #NZvsWI hashtag was trending, obviously. Everyone was debating if New Zealand got lucky or if West Indies showed incredible fight. It just proves that in T20 cricket, you can never, ever count a team out until the last ball is bowled. Seriously, the drama was palpable, even through the screen.

Tournament Impact

So, what does this all mean for the series? New Zealand’s nine-run win gives them a crucial 2-1 lead in the five-match series. This match was originally played on November 9, 2025, at Saxton Oval. You know this series is now absolutely electrifying with everything on the line.

The next game, the 4th T20I, is scheduled for November 10, 2025, also at Saxton Oval, Nelson. Can West Indies bounce back and level the series? Or will New Zealand carry this momentum forward and seal the series early? You definitely don’t want to miss it!