Mitchell Santner put the plaudits to New Zealand's bowlers after a hard-fought nine-run win over West Indies in the third T20I.

New Zealand edged into a 2-1 lead in the five-match series, though they were pushed all the way in Nelson on Sunday.

West Indies, chasing 178 to win, went from 88-8 to 166 before Shamar Springer fell on 39 to Jacob Duffy, who took 3-36.

Romario Shepherd (49) was then sent packing by Kyle Jamieson (1-35) to end the Windies' bid for an unlikely victory.

Duffy and Ish Sodhi (3-34), who became the third-highest wicket-taker in T20I history, had run through West Indies' top order before Shepherd and Springer's valiant stand, and Santner was full of praise for the Black Caps' bowling unit.

"That was the most pleasing thing, different guys stepping up at different times, which is pretty key over a five-match series," he said.

"It was a very scrappy win, but it's nice to be on the right side of one. It's always a challenge when you come up against a team that bats so deep, and we know they've got power all the way through.

"I thought we probably should have gotten 190 at least. But after the collapse, their partnership from 88-8 showed they have power all the way through.

"Our main goal is to try and keep taking wickets. The way the boys started when the ball was swinging was nice, and when it wasn't, Ish Sodhi was outstanding again.

"The boys adapted quickly with cutters, bounces, and slow balls. The bowling unit was outstanding."

Spin to win!

With 3-36 from his 4 overs and an excellent piece of work to run-out Ackeem Auguste, today’s @ANZAotearoa Player of the Match is Ish Sodhi!  #NZvWIN |  = @PhotosportNZ pic.twitter.com/qCm47hhjYj

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) November 9, 2025

Devon Conway top-scored for New Zealand with 56, while Tim Robinson (23), Rachin Ravindra (26) and Daryl Mitchell (41) all offered useful contributions.

However, the Black Caps capitulated after Michael Bracewell (11) was dismissed, going from 144-4 to 175-9.

"The heart is pumping," added Sodhi. "The energy is high. Those death bowlers are doing a great job.

"West Indies have such power through their lower to middle order, and it's on show right now. The crowd has been amazing. It's been a great spectacle so far in the series, and it's nice to be on the winning side of it."

The fourth match takes place in Nelson on Monday.