Key Takeaways
- Shimron Hetmyer scored an unbeaten 69 to help the West Indies secure a two-wicket win over New Zealand.
- The series ended with New Zealand winning 3-2, despite losing the final match.
- Hetmyer praised his team's focus on staying in the game until the end.
Shimron Hetmyer’s composed performance under pressure was instrumental as the West Indies secured a two-wicket victory over New Zealand in the fifth and final one-day international (ODI) at the Kensington Oval. The match, which concluded on Tuesday, saw the West Indies chase down 268 runs to win by just two wickets.
Hetmyer, who scored his fifth ODI half-century, shared a crucial 95-run partnership with Sherfane Rutherford, who made 61. Together, they steadied the ship for the West Indies after an initial flurry of dismissals left them needing to score quickly from the late overs.
Despite New Zealand’s strong start, which saw Will Young and Tom Latham contribute valuable runs, the hosts struggled to maintain their momentum in the latter stages of the innings. Nick Kelly’s 64 was not enough as the West Indies managed to cross the line with more than two overs remaining.
The series had been closely contested, with New Zealand securing a 3-2 victory despite losing the final match. The visitors won the second and third ODIs by five and six wickets respectively, while the West Indies triumphed in the first game with a seven-wicket win.
Hetmyer’s post-match comments highlighted his focus on ensuring the team reached the target: 'I wasn’t really thinking about getting a half-century, to be honest. I was just thinking about how I could make sure the team crossed the line.'
The West Indies’ chase began with a rapid start, scoring eight runs per over in the opening five overs. However, they lost both openers early and had to rely on steady contributions from Hope and Carty before Hetmyer’s partnership with Rutherford provided the necessary impetus.
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner made an unusual decision by removing left-arm spinner Jayden Lennox after he took 3-35 in nine overs. Hetmyer capitalized, hitting two sixes off Jacob Duffy in the 47th over to help secure the win for the West Indies.
Lennox’s performance throughout the series was notable, finishing with 14 wickets at an average of 13.6 and being named player of the series despite his team’s overall loss.
The final ODI showcased the unpredictable nature of limited-overs cricket, where every run and wicket can turn the tide of a match. Hetmyer’s leadership and composure were key factors in securing this thrilling victory for the West Indies.
I wasn’t really thinking about getting a half-century, to be honest. I was just thinking about how I could make sure the team crossed the line.
Shimron Hetmyer, West Indies batsman
