Fifties from New Zealand’s middle order, including a 49-ball 63 from Daryl Mitchell and a fiery 34* from Jimmy Neesham powered New Zealand to win the 3rd ODI against the West Indies by 5 wickets and claim the series 2-1. With this victory, the Kiwis registered their first-ever bilateral ODI series win in the Caribbean in 37 years. 

Being put in to bat first, West Indies posted 301-8 in their 50 overs, thanks to a blazing century from Kyle Mayers and half-centuries from Shai Hope and captain Nicholas Pooran. Chasing a steep target, New Zealand got off to a strong start, with opener Martin Guptill getting to his fifty. The middle order then came to the party, with Devon Conway, skipper Tom Latham and Mitchell all scoring their respective half-centuries. 

Mitchell, in particular, batted at a strike rate of 128.57, racking up six fours and one six. Together with Latham, he stitched a 120-run partnership for the fourth wicket and set up his team for a comfortable chase. 

Neesham followed suit, going after the Windies bowlers from the first ball. His unbeaten 34 came in just 11 deliveries, including 1 four and four massive sixes, the last of which got the Kiwis over the line at the start of the 48th over. 

Mitchell enjoyed a successful outing, finishing as the series’ joint-leading run-scorer with 124 runs in three matches at an average of 41.33.