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The West Indies concluded their home One-Day International series against New Zealand on a high note, pulling off a thrilling two-wicket victory in the fifth and final ODI at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados. In a high-stakes day-night encounter, the Caribbean side successfully chased down a target of 269 runs, reaching 269/8 in 47.3 overs. The victory showcased tactical resilience, disciplined bowling, and high-octane batting under pressure.
Disciplined West Indies bowling attack restricts New Zealand to a formidable score
Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, the West Indies attack delivered a disciplined performance to keep the Black Caps’ run rate under control throughout their 50 overs. Matthew Forde struck early in the fifth over, cleaning up opener Henry Nicholls for just 10 runs to set an assertive tone.
New Zealand rebuilt through a solid second-wicket partnership between Will Young and Nick Kelly, who added 86 runs together. Young brought up a smooth half-century (56 off 63 balls) before falling to Vitel Lawes. Kelly anchored the middle overs, compiling a top-score of 64 off 80 deliveries featuring four fours and three sixes, before Gudakesh Motie broke the dynamic stand.
Despite middle-order stumbles, veteran wicketkeeper-batter Tom Latham stabilized the innings with a captain’s knock. Latham notched 69 off 71 balls, finding the fence 10 times alongside a six. However, Alzarri Joseph‘s tight spell (2/38 in 10 overs) and Motie’s economical turn (1/49) restricted late-overs acceleration. Supported by crisp fielding that yielded two key run-outs, including skipper Mitchell Santner for 13, the West Indies held New Zealand to 268/9 in their allotted 50 overs.
Also READ: New Zealand edge West Indies by one wicket in Bridgetown thriller to seal ODI series
Shimron Hetmyer stars as West Indies thrash New Zealand in the fifth ODI
Chasing 269 for victory, the West Indies initiated an explosive start during Powerplay 1. Openers Ackeem Auguste (34 off 24) and Justin Greaves (22 off 15) tore through the opening attack, racing to 50 runs in just 5.3 overs. However, quick strikes from Nathan Smith and Jacob Duffy reduced the hosts to 59/2.
Captain Shai Hope (39 off 52) and Keacy Carty (20 off 54) then steadied the ship, constructing a 59-run partnership. Left-arm spinner Jayden Lennox proved dangerous for New Zealand, removing both set batters on his way to exceptional figures of 3/35 off 9 overs.
At 123/4, the chase shifted into high gear with the arrival of Sherfane Rutherford and Hetmyer. The duo injected raw power into the middle overs, assembling a vital 95-run fifth-wicket partnership. Rutherford struck a brisk 61 off 58 balls, packed with five towering sixes, before falling to Michael Bracewell in the 41st over. Hetmyer’s unbeaten 69 off 64 balls featured 9 fours and 2 sixes, anchoring the chase after a late-order collapse where WI lost 3 wickets for just 9 runs. When Duffy (3/67) triggered a late-order wobble by removing Forde and Alzarri Joseph in consecutive deliveries, the pressure mounted on the hosts at 248/8. Calm under fire, Hetmyer kept his composure alongside Jayden Seales (5* off 7). Hetmyer struck the winning runs with 15 balls to spare, finishing undefeated on 69 to seal a memorable two-wicket win for the West Indies.
Also READ: Jayden Lennox shines as New Zealand beat West Indies in the third ODI
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