West Indies win final ODI as New Zealand clinch 3-2 series

The West Indies concluded their five-match One-Day International series against New Zealand with a dramatic two-wicket victory in the final match on Tuesday, July 21, at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados. Despite the win, New Zealand secured the series 3-2 after clinching the previous three matches.

Chasing a target of 269, the West Indies reached 269 for 8 with 15 balls to spare, propelled by a crucial, unbeaten 69 from Shimron Hetmyer. The hosts appeared in control at 218 for 4 in the 41st over, but a collapse saw them lose three wickets for just nine runs, slipping to 248 for 8. Hetmyer held his nerve alongside tailender Jayden Seales to guide his team over the line. Sherfane Rutherford provided vital support with a brisk 61, forming a 95-run partnership with Hetmyer after the West Indies had been reduced to 123 for 4.

Earlier, after winning the toss and electing to bowl, the West Indies restricted New Zealand to 268 for 9 in their 50 overs. The visitors' innings was built on half-centuries from Will Young (56), Nick Kelly (64), and captain Tom Latham (69). The West Indies bowling attack delivered a disciplined performance, with Alzarri Joseph taking 2 for 38 in a tight...