The third match of the five-match ODI series between the West Indies and New Zealand will be played at Providence Stadium, Guyana, on Friday.
The series is evenly poised at 1-1 after both teams secured a victory each in the opening two matches. The West Indies won the first ODI by seven wickets, while New Zealand made a strong comeback in the second game with a five-wicket victory to level the series.
Both sides will look to take the lead in the closely contested series as they meet in the crucial third ODI.
The New Zealand side is being led by star all-rounder Mitchell Santner and includes Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Christian Clarke, Jacob Duffy, Matthew Fisher, Dean Foxcroft, Mitchell Hay, Nick Kelly, Tom Latham, Jaden Lennox, Ben Lister, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Nathan Smith, and Will Young.
The West Indies team, captained by Shai Hope, features Akeem August, John Campbell, Casey Carty, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Amir Jangoo, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Johann Jeremiah, Gudakesh Motie, Keemo Paul, Khary Pierre, Sherfane Rutherford, and Jediah Blades.
The third ODI will be played on July 17, followed by the fourth match on July 20. The fifth and final ODI of the series is scheduled for July 22.
It is worth mentioning here that Keacy Carty and captain Shai Hope powered the West Indies to a comfortable seven-wicket victory over New Zealand in the opening ODI in Guyana.
The duo produced a match-winning 131-run partnership for the third wicket, guiding the hosts in a successful chase of 268 with seven balls remaining.
Earlier, New Zealand appeared in a strong position at 234-4 in the 44th over but suffered a dramatic collapse, losing their final six wickets for just 33 runs. West Indies pacer Alzarri Joseph played a key role with figures of 4-41.
The standout performer, however, was 19-year-old debutant Vitel Lawes, who made an immediate impact on his first appearance at the professional level. The left-arm wrist spinner claimed three wickets, including the dismissals of Henry Nicholls, Mark Chapman, and Michael Bracewell, to trigger New Zealand’s late innings collapse.
Lawes announced his arrival with a wicket off his sixth delivery and continued to trouble the visitors with his variations, helping West Indies secure a winning start to the five-match ODI series.
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