Shimron Hetmyer Leads West Indies to Final ODI Win Over New Zealand
Unbeaten 69 helps the hosts secure a two-wicket victory, although New Zealand clinches the five-match ODI series 3-2.
Shimron Hetmyer celebrates after guiding the West Indies to victory in the fifth ODI.
Shimron Hetmyer produced a composed unbeaten half-century to guide the West Indies to a dramatic two-wicket victory over New Zealand in the fifth and final One-Day International in Bridgetown on Tuesday.
Despite the defeat, New Zealand secured the five-match ODI series 3-2 after winning the second, third and fourth matches.
Chasing 269 for victory, the West Indies reached 269-8 with 15 balls remaining. Hetmyer anchored the innings with an unbeaten 69 and shared a crucial 95-run partnership with Sherfane Rutherford, who scored 61 to keep the hosts on course.
Earlier, captain Shai Hope contributed 39 while Keacy Carty added 20 as the West Indies built a solid platform before New Zealand’s bowlers fought back.
The match swung repeatedly in the closing stages. After Rutherford’s dismissal left the hosts needing 41 runs, Gudakesh Motie also fell, increasing the pressure.
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Jacob Duffy then struck twice in consecutive deliveries, dismissing Matthew Forde and Alzarri Joseph to leave the West Indies requiring 21 runs with only two wickets remaining.
Hetmyer responded calmly, launching two crucial sixes off Duffy in the 47th over before guiding his side to victory with more than two overs to spare.
Speaking after the match, Hetmyer said his only focus was helping the team cross the finish line rather than reaching a personal milestone.
“I wasn’t thinking about a half-century. I was only thinking about making sure the team got over the line,” he said.
Earlier, New Zealand posted 268-9 after strong contributions from Tom Latham, who scored 69, Nick Kelly with 64 and Will Young, who added 56.
However, disciplined bowling from the West Indies, led by Alzarri Joseph’s figures of 2-38, prevented the visitors from posting a larger total in the final overs.
New Zealand spinner Jayden Lennox continued his outstanding series by taking 3-35 and finished with 14 wickets at an average of 13.6. His consistent performances earned him the Player of the Series award.
Hetmyer’s match-winning innings earned him the Player of the Match honour as the West Indies ended the series on a high despite New Zealand claiming the overall victory.
