WI vs NZ- 5th ODI- 21 July, 2026- West Indies Clinch Thrilling 2-Wicket Victory Over New Zealand at Bridgetown

New Zealand Post Competitive Total 268/9

After being asked to bat first, New Zealand built a solid total of 268/9 in 50 overs. The innings was anchored by several useful contributions rather than one dominant century.

Nick Kelly played an excellent knock of 64 runs from 80 balls, striking five boundaries and two sixes. Tom Latham continued his consistent form with a classy 69 off 71 deliveries, while Will Young added a valuable 56 from 63 balls.

Although New Zealand looked capable of crossing the 290-run mark but regular wickets during the final 15 overs slowed their momentum.

New Zealand Top Scorers
Tom Latham: 69 (71)
Nick Kelly: 64 (80)
Will Young: 56 (63)
West Indies Bowlers Keep Things Under Control

West Indies' bowling attack shared the wickets evenly and prevented New Zealand from accelerating late in the innings.

Alzarri Joseph was the standout performer, finishing with 2 wickets for 38 runs in his 10 overs while maintaining an excellent economy rate of just 3.80.

Vitel Lawes also impressed with 2 wickets, while Matthew Forde, Jayden Seales, and Gudakesh Motie picked up one wicket each.

Best Bowling Figures
Alzarri Joseph: 2/38
Vitel Lawes: 2/63
Matthew Forde: 1/49
Jayden Seales: 1/57
Gudakesh Motie: 1/49
West Indies Chase Begins Aggressively

The Caribbean chase started with fireworks as Ackeem Auguste smashed 34 runs off just 24 balls, while Justin Greaves contributed a quick 22 from 15 deliveries.

However, New Zealand fought back with regular wickets. Keacy Carty struggled for fluency, scoring 20 from 54 balls, and captain Shai Hope managed 39 before being dismissed.

At 123/4, the match appeared evenly balanced.

Rutherford and Hetmyer Turn the Match Around

The turning point came through a brilliant partnership between Sherfane Rutherford and Shimron Hetmyer.

Rutherford attacked the New Zealand bowlers with confidence, smashing 61 runs from 58 balls, including five sixes.

After Rutherford's dismissal, Hetmyer took complete control of the chase. Remaining calm under pressure, he scored an unbeaten 69 from 64 balls, hitting four sixes and guiding West Indies home despite a few late wickets.

His composed finish ensured the hosts crossed the target with 15 balls remaining.

New Zealand Bowlers Fight Hard

Despite defending a modest total, New Zealand's bowlers produced a spirited effort.

Jacob Duffy claimed 3 wickets, while spinner Jayden Lennox also picked up 3 wickets, creating pressure throughout the middle overs.

However, they couldn't prevent Hetmyer from finishing the chase.

Best Bowling Figures
Jacob Duffy: 3/67
Jayden Lennox: 3/35
Nathan Smith: 1/51
Michael Bracewell: 1/64
Match Summary
Result West Indies won by 2 wickets
Venue Bridgetown, Barbados
New Zealand 268/9 (50 overs)
West Indies 269/8 (47.3 overs)
Player of the Chase Shimron Hetmyer – 69* (64)
Key Performers
New Zealand
Tom Latham – 69 (71)
Nick Kelly – 64 (80)
Will Young – 56 (63)
West Indies
Shimron Hetmyer – 69 (64)*
Sherfane Rutherford – 61 (58)
Ackeem Auguste – 34 (24)
Best Bowlers
Alzarri Joseph (WI) – 2/38
Vitel Lawes (WI) – 2/63
Jacob Duffy (NZ) – 3/67
Jayden Lennox (NZ) – 3/35
Final Thoughts

The fifth ODI delivered an entertaining contest, showing the resilience of both sides. New Zealand's experienced middle order laid a solid platform with half-centuries from Tom Latham, Nick Kelly, and Will Young, but West Indies' disciplined bowling restricted them below 270.

In reply, Shimron Hetmyer and Sherfane Rutherford produced match-winning innings under pressure, helping West Indies complete a memorable chase and finish the series with an impressive victory in Bridgetown. Cricket fans were treated to an exciting finale filled with momentum swings, quality batting, and a tense finish that perfectly capped off the ODI series.