The West Indies New Zealand ODI series ended on a positive note for the hosts as they secured a thrilling two-wicket victory in the fifth and final match at Bridgetown. Despite the win, the Caribbean side was unable to overturn the deficit in the five-match contest, with New Zealand taking the series 3-2 after a consistent performance across the opening four games.
Shimron Hetmyer produced a composed unbeaten half-century under pressure to guide West Indies home in a tense chase of 269. His match-winning knock earned him the Player of the Match award, while New Zealand’s Jordyn Lennox was named Player of the Series for his impressive contributions throughout the campaign.
New Zealand Recover After Early Blow
Asked to bat first after losing the toss, New Zealand overcame an early setback to post a competitive total of 268 for 9 in their allotted 50 overs.
The visitors lost opener Henry Nicholls for just 10 runs with only 16 runs on the board after Matthew Forde struck early for the hosts. The wicket gave West Indies a promising start, but New Zealand responded with a steady rebuilding effort.
Opener Will Young and Nick Kelly combined to stabilize the innings, adding 86 runs for the second wicket from 90 deliveries. Their partnership helped shift momentum back in New Zealand’s favour after the early dismissal.
Young reached a well-crafted half-century before being bowled for 56, ending an important stand that had laid the platform for the middle order.
Middle Order Keeps the Scoreboard Moving
After Young’s departure, Nick Kelly continued to anchor the innings. Although Mark Chapman was unable to make a significant contribution, Kelly remained composed and added valuable runs before eventually departing after scoring 64.
Tom Latham then played another crucial role for New Zealand. The experienced wicketkeeper-batter guided the innings through the middle overs with a fluent 69-run knock, ensuring the visitors crossed the 200-run mark and maintained momentum heading into the final overs.
Captain Mitchell Santner and Nathan Smith added useful late runs to help New Zealand finish on 268/9, a total that looked competitive on a balanced Bridgetown surface.
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West Indies Openers Provide a Solid Foundation
Chasing 269, West Indies made a confident start with their opening pair putting together a 59-run partnership.
Akeem Auguste scored 34, while Justin Greaves contributed 22 before both openers were dismissed. Their partnership gave the hosts a steady beginning, but New Zealand’s bowlers struck regularly to keep the contest evenly balanced.
Casey Carty added 20, and captain Shai Hope made 39, but the home side slipped to 123/4, leaving the middle order with plenty of work to do.
Hetmyer and Rutherford Shift the Momentum
The turning point of the chase came through an outstanding partnership between Shimron Hetmyer and Sherfane Rutherford.
The pair added 95 runs for the fifth wicket from just 90 balls, combining sensible shot selection with aggressive stroke play whenever scoring opportunities appeared. Their stand not only repaired the innings but also brought West Indies past the 200-run mark and back into control of the chase.
Rutherford looked set for a match-winning innings before being dismissed for 61. He was stumped by Tom Latham off the bowling of Michael Bracewell, ending a partnership that had transformed the game.
Hetmyer Finishes the Job in Style
With Rutherford back in the pavilion and the target still within reach, Hetmyer took responsibility for guiding the innings to the finish.
Displaying calm decision-making and excellent control under pressure, the left-hander remained unbeaten on 69, ensuring West Indies crossed the target in 47.3 overs with two wickets to spare.
His innings proved decisive in helping the hosts avoid a series whitewash in the closing matches and earned him the Player of the Match award.
Bowlers Fight Hard for New Zealand
Although New Zealand fell short in the final game, their bowlers kept the chase competitive throughout.
Jacob Duffy and Jordyn Lennox each picked up three wickets, regularly breaking partnerships and forcing West Indies to work hard for every run. However, Hetmyer’s unbeaten knock ultimately denied the visitors a fourth victory in the series.
Series Ends in New Zealand’s Favour
While West Indies celebrated an encouraging win in the final fixture, New Zealand finished the West Indies New Zealand ODI series with a 3-2 triumph, reflecting their stronger performances over the course of the five matches.
The final encounter showcased competitive cricket from both sides, with New Zealand producing another disciplined batting display and West Indies responding with a determined run chase led by Hetmyer. The result gives the Caribbean side confidence going forward, while New Zealand leaves the tour satisfied after securing the overall series victory.
