Shimron Hetmyer anchored the successful chase with an unbeaten 69, while Sherfane Rutherford's attacking 61 swung the momentum after New Zealand had posted 268/9 courtesy of half-centuries from Tom Latham, Nick Kelly and Will Young.

Match Analysis

New Zealand produced a disciplined batting display built on three important partnerships. Will Young (56) and Nick Kelly (64) laid the foundations before captain Tom Latham added a fluent 69 to keep the innings moving. However, despite three players reaching fifty, the visitors were unable to produce the late acceleration needed to push beyond 270, losing wickets at regular intervals during the closing overs.

West Indies approached the chase with aggression from the outset. Ackeem Auguste and Justin Greaves attacked the new ball, helping the hosts race to 75/2 in the opening Powerplay and immediately placing New Zealand under pressure.

Although the Black Caps fought back through the middle overs, Rutherford's powerful 61 from 58 deliveries reignited the chase. His partnership with Hetmyer proved decisive, combining calculated aggression with intelligent strike rotation. After Rutherford departed, Hetmyer displayed composure and maturity, guiding the lower order home to complete an impressive chase.

The victory highlighted West Indies' depth with the bat and their ability to absorb pressure during a challenging run chase.

Match Report

West Indies claimed a dramatic two-wicket victory over New Zealand in the 5th ODI after successfully chasing 269 in 47.3 overs.

New Zealand recovered well from an early wicket as Will Young and Nick Kelly added a valuable stand. Young made 56 from 63 balls before Kelly continued the momentum with 64 from 80 deliveries.

Captain Tom Latham then anchored the innings superbly, striking 69 from 71 balls as New Zealand reached 268/9. Although they added 70 runs in the final Powerplay, regular wickets prevented the visitors from setting a more imposing target.

West Indies began their reply in explosive fashion, reaching 75/2 inside the first 10 overs thanks to aggressive batting from Ackeem Auguste and Justin Greaves.

The innings settled during the middle overs before Sherfane Rutherford launched a decisive counterattack, smashing 61 from 58 balls, including five towering sixes. Together with Shimron Hetmyer, he added a crucial partnership that shifted the momentum firmly towards the home side.

Following Rutherford's dismissal, Hetmyer expertly managed the closing stages, finishing unbeaten on 69 from 64 deliveries to steer West Indies to 269/8 and complete an entertaining two-wicket victory with 15 balls remaining.

Match Summary

West Indies vs New Zealand, 5th ODI

West Indies 269/8 (47.3 ov)

New Zealand 268/9 (50 ov)

West Indies won by 2 wickets

Worm

Back to winning ways! ????

The Men in the Maroon get the job done in the final ODI!???? #WIvNZ #WIOutside #MenInMaroon pic.twitter.com/oczO1ljtiG

— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) July 22, 2026

Match Stats

New Zealand Fall of wickets: 1-16 (Henry Nicholls - 4.3 ov), 2-102 (Will Young - 19.2 ov), 3-127 (Mark Chapman - 24.2 ov), 4-181 (Nick Kelly - 34.2 ov), 5-182 (Michael Bracewell - 35.5 ov), 6-230 (Mitchell Santner - 44.5 ov), 7-239 (Tom Latham - 46.1 ov), 8-247 (Kristian Clarke - 47.2 ov), 9-268 (Nathan Smith - 49.6 ov)

West Indies  Fall of wickets: 1-57 (Ackeem Auguste - 5.6 ov), 2-59 (Justin Greaves - 6.4 ov), 3-118 (Shai Hope - 23.1 ov), 4-123 (Keacy Carty - 25.2 ov), 5-218 (Sherfane Rutherford - 40.2 ov), 6-239 (Gudakesh Motie - 43.2 ov), 7-248 (Matthew Forde - 44.3 ov), 8-248 (Alzarri Joseph - 44.4 ov)

Player vs Player

Playing XI

West Indies 

New Zealand 

Match Details:

Date: Tuesday, July 21, 2026 – 19:30

Venue: Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados

Toss:  West Indies elected to bowl

Umpires: Alex Wharf (England), Leslie Reifer (West Indies), Ahsan Raza (Pakistan)

Match Referee: Javagal Srinath (India)

Weather: Broken clouds, 27°C, 75% humidity, wind speed 12.77 mph, 76% cloud cover

Pitch: Spinning Pitch

Batting Condition: Average
Pace Bowling Condition: Swing Favourable
Spin Bowling Condition: Slow Spin

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