West Indies and New Zealand face off in the fifth and final ODI at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown on Tuesday, with the series set to conclude in a decisive contest. Both teams will aim to finish the tour on a high by delivering their best performance in the series finale.
Match details
Venue: Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados
Date: July 21, 2026
Time: 7:30 PM IST, 7:00 PM PST, 2:00 PM GMT
Team overviews
West Indies enter the fifth ODI determined to end the series with a strong performance. Throughout the series, the hosts have shown glimpses of quality with both bat and ball but have struggled to maintain consistency across all departments. Captain Shai Hope will expect his batters to convert promising starts into substantial scores while the bowling attack looks to make early inroads with the new ball.
New Zealand have once again demonstrated why they remain one of the most disciplined ODI sides. Their bowling attack has consistently applied pressure, while the batting lineup has produced timely partnerships in crucial moments. Captain Mitchell Santner will expect another professional display as the Black Caps look to finish the tour on a positive note.
Key players
West Indies will rely on Keacy Carty, whose consistency at the top of the order has been one of the bright spots of the series. Shai Hope’s experience will be vital in anchoring the innings, while Shimron Hetmyer and Sherfane Rutherford possess the firepower to accelerate during the closing overs. Alzarri Joseph remains the leader of the pace attack.
For New Zealand, Daryl Mitchell and Mark Chapman provide stability in the middle order, while Tom Latham offers experience behind the stumps and with the bat. Mitchell Santner’s all-round contributions remain crucial, and Jayden Lennox will once again lead the spin attack after an impressive series.
Head-to-head record
West Indies and New Zealand have shared a competitive ODI rivalry over the years.
- Matches played: 75*
- West Indies wins: 32*
- New Zealand wins: 36*
- No Result: 7*
*These figures assume New Zealand won the fourth ODI. If West Indies won the fourth ODI, the head-to-head record and series score should be updated accordingly.
Pitch report
Kensington Oval generally offers balanced conditions that reward both disciplined bowling and quality batting. Fast bowlers can expect assistance with the new ball during the opening overs, while the surface becomes more batting-friendly as the innings progresses.
Batters who spend time at the crease often find it easier to score during the middle overs. Spinners can also become effective later in the innings if the surface begins to slow slightly. Teams winning the toss may prefer to bowl first and make use of any early movement.
Probable playing XIs
West Indies (Captain: Shai Hope)
- John Campbell
- Ackeem Auguste
- Keacy Carty
- Shai Hope (Captain & Wicketkeeper)
- Sherfane Rutherford
- Shimron Hetmyer
- Keemo Paul
- Gudakesh Motie
- Khary Pierre
- Alzarri Joseph
- Vitel Lawes
New Zealand (Captain: Mitchell Santner)
- Henry Nicholls
- Will Young
- Mark Chapman
- Daryl Mitchell
- Tom Latham (Wicketkeeper)
- Michael Bracewell
- Dean Foxcroft
- Mitchell Santner (Captain)
- Nathan Smith
- Jacob Duffy
- Jayden Lennox
Probable best performers
Probable best batter: Keacy Carty
Keacy Carty has been among West Indies’ most reliable batters during the series. His ability to build an innings while rotating the strike makes him a key player in the final ODI.
Probable best bowler: Jayden Lennox
Jayden Lennox has consistently troubled the West Indies batting lineup with his control and wicket-taking ability. If conditions offer any assistance to spin, he could once again prove decisive.
Probable match scenarios
Scenario 1: West Indies bowl first. New Zealand score 230 to 250, including 45 to 55 runs in the Powerplay.
Scenario 2: New Zealand bowl first. West Indies score 220 to 240, including 40 to 50 runs in the Powerplay.
The chasing side could enjoy a slight advantage if batting conditions improve during the second innings.
Live streaming and broadcast
India: FanCode app and website for live streaming.
Pakistan: No official television broadcaster has been confirmed. Streaming availability depends on regional broadcast rights.
United Kingdom: Broadcast coverage depends on the official rights holder in the region.
Australia: Broadcast coverage depends on the official rights holder in the region.
Global viewers: Live coverage is available through official regional broadcasters and licensed streaming platforms according to local media rights.
Match prediction
The final ODI promises another competitive battle between two evenly matched teams. West Indies will look to finish strongly with improved batting performances, while New Zealand will rely on their disciplined bowling attack and experienced middle order. Kensington Oval should once again provide a fair contest between bat and ball, making execution during the Powerplay and death overs especially important. If New Zealand maintain the consistency they have shown throughout the series, they will start as slight favorites, although West Indies possess enough quality to produce a winning performance on home soil.
