The third Test at Bay Oval, Mt Maunganui, looks set to decide the series New Zealand and West IndiaAfter a draw in the opener, the hosts took a 1-0 lead and a nine-wicket win in the second Test in Wellington.
Led by New Zealand’s provisional attack Jacob Duffy‘s match winning 5/38, dismantled the West Indies for 128 in their second innings, Devon Conway and Kane Williamson Underscoring Kiwi dominance in seam-friendly conditions, he raced a modest chase. West Indies, Capt Roston Chaselimped though Shai Umid‘s resistance is now desperate to level the series and overtake the rescue pride 2027 World Test Championship voters.
Tom LathamNew Zealand, supported by Conway, Williamson, Racine Ravindraand spinners Ajaz Patel and Michael BracewellEye clean sweep, while West Indies rely on Hope, Chase and seamers Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales for a rare Tauranga upset – their first Test win in New Zealand since 1995.
Mount Maunganui Weather Forecast for Third Test
Day 1
Day 1 provides ideal conditions to start a full action day with a pleasant 22°C, a low of 14°C and only a 25% chance of rain, which means minimal downtime but enough westerly wind at 19km/h to help swing and make the first session difficult for openers. With a real feel at 22° and decent windows of sunshine, the ball should be seamed for the first hour before flattening out, prompting captains to bat first, while bowlers remain interested if they hit the deck hard.
Day 2
Day 2 stays around 22°C, slightly higher with an overnight base of 16°C and only 7% precipitation, offering uninterrupted play and bright skies later in the day which will speed up drying and keep the surface good for hitting. A steady westerly wind again helps carry the slip cordons, but with moderate UV, the pitch should be baked enough to accelerate run scoring as the ball softens.
Day 3
Day 3 cools slightly to 21°C/11°C, but with extreme UV (index 11) and a slightly strong westerly at 22km/h, making it a classic action day as the cracks start to open and the reverse swing potentially kicks in. Shots will still be useful for certain players, but fresh spells with the old ball can lead to goal kicks.
Day 4
Day 4 again hovers around 22°C/10°C, with just 3% rain and a breezy afternoon, so any deterioration will be controlled by the pitch rather than the weather, ideal for spinners taking a rough catch outside the right-hander’s stumps. Limited sun and moderate UV means the surface is less likely to break up dramatically, but variable bounce can creep in and make the par four dangerous.
Day 5
Day 5 is forecast to be 21°C, a relatively warm overnight 17°C and mostly cloudy skies, with comfortable but slightly humid conditions holding as we approach the finish line. With only about a 9% chance of rain and lighter winds of 17km/h, a full day’s play should be possible, creating a realistic chance of a fifth-day result if either side is forced to hold on or a difficult result on a weathered surface that offers enough for both spin and disciplined seaming.
