BRIDGETOWN, July 19 (Reuters) – New Zealand secured an unassailable 3-1 lead in the five-match ODI series against West Indies on Sunday, winning the fourth ODI by one wicket with nine runs needed and a single wicket remaining.
The Blackcaps chased down 220 at Kensington Oval. The match was defined by a final-wicket stand of 30 runs, completed with a boundary off the penultimate ball.
West Indies posted 219 all out in 48.3 overs. Key partnerships included a 78-run stand for the fourth wicket. New Zealand’s bowling attack was led by spinner Lennox, who finished with figures of 4 for 42 from 10 overs.
New Zealand’s chase collapsed to 160 for 7 in the 38th over. A rescue act from the middle order, including 34 from No. 8 batsman Phillips and 28 from No. 9 Santner, reduced the equation.
The final over required nine runs with one wicket in hand. The tailender, supported by the No. 11, scored a single, a dot, a two, and then a four to win. The West Indies fielding placement was defensive, but the composure of the New Zealand batter proved decisive.
Lennox’s performance was the standout. He exploited the spin-friendly conditions at Bridgetown, consistently landing the ball on a length that turned sharply. His adaptability to Caribbean pitches has been a defining feature of the tour. According to Sport Nation, his preparation focused on bowling stump-to-stump lines.
The result gives New Zealand momentum for the fifth ODI, while West Indies face questions about finishing under pressure. Fielding lapses and missed opportunities were evident.
| Metric | New Zealand | West Indies |
|---|---|---|
| Top scorer | Phillips (34) | Pooran (62) |
| Best bowler | Lennox (4/42) | Alzarri Joseph (3/41) |
| Winning margin | 1 wicket | N/A |
| Series lead | 3-1 | N/A |
The statistical highlights show New Zealand’s lower-order resilience as a series-winning trait. For West Indies, the need to close out games under pressure is now urgent.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: How did New Zealand win the fourth ODI against West Indies?
- A: New Zealand won by one wicket, needing nine runs in the final over with one wicket left. A last-wicket partnership of 30 runs, capped by a boundary off the penultimate ball, secured the victory and a 3-1 series lead.
- Q: Who was the standout performer for New Zealand in the match?
- A: Spinner Lennox was the standout, taking 4 for 42 from 10 overs. He exploited spin-friendly conditions at Kensington Oval with sharp turn and consistent stump-to-stump lines.
- Q: What does this result mean for the series?
- A: The win gives New Zealand an unassailable 3-1 lead in the five-match ODI series, providing momentum for the final ODI. West Indies now face questions about closing out tight matches under pressure.
Extended Reading
For the full scorecard, see ESPNcricinfo. For analysis of Lennox’s performance, see Sport Nation. For match reaction, see Yahoo Sports.