West Indies closed their five match ODI series against New Zealand with a hard fought victory in Bridgetown, powered by a decisive partnership between Sherfane Rutherford and Shimron Hetmyer.
Chasing 269, the hosts struggled against New Zealand’s slow bowlers during the middle overs. Mitchell Santner and his fellow spinners applied heavy pressure, while Keacy Carty laboured to 20 from 54 deliveries. Captain Shai Hope also fell at a crucial stage, leaving West Indies with 151 still required.
The momentum shifted when Rutherford joined Hetmyer. Rutherford attacked the spin, advanced down the pitch and created scoring opportunities after surviving a chance on 7, when Will Young dropped him at deep square leg. He went on to register his second score above fifty in his past 15 innings.
Rutherford and Hetmyer added 95 runs from 90 balls for the fifth wicket, reversing the pressure that had stalled the chase. Their aggression produced 37 runs from the final five overs of spin and brought the target within reach.
New Zealand responded through Jacob Duffy, who claimed two wickets from consecutive deliveries in the 45th over. With West Indies needing 21 from 32 balls and only two wickets remaining, the contest appeared finely balanced.
Hetmyer then took control. He struck Duffy for two sixes, including one that became lodged in the stadium roof, and completed the chase unbeaten on 69 from 64 balls.
Earlier, New Zealand posted 268 for 9. Will Young scored 56 from 63 balls and Nick Kelly made 64 from 80. Alzarri Joseph delivered a second spell of 3 overs, 1 maiden, 6 runs and 1 wicket. Teenage wrist spinner Vitel Lawes also removed Young and Mark Chapman.
Although the result could not change the series outcome, it offered West Indies confidence before their qualification route towards the 2027 World Cup.
