BRIDGETOWN, July 19, 2026 — New Zealand required nine runs with one wicket remaining. They got them. The Blackcaps defeated West Indies by one wicket in the fourth ODI at the Kensington Oval, securing an unassailable 3-1 series lead.
The match was a low-scoring thriller. West Indies, batting first, posted a modest total of 214 all out in 49.3 overs. New Zealand’s chase stumbled repeatedly, collapsing to 205 for nine. The equation came down to nine runs off the final overs with last pair at the crease.
| Team | Score | Overs | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Indies | 214 all out | 49.3 | Lost by 1 wicket |
| New Zealand | 215/9 | 49.1 | Won |
Stand-out Blackcaps spinner Lennox delivered the defining performance of the match. He returned figures of 4 for 38 from his ten overs, dismantling West Indies’ middle order. According to Sport Nation, Lennox thrived in Caribbean conditions, exploiting variable bounce to claim key scalps including captain Shai Hope and Nicholas Pooran.
The final act unfolded with precision. Needing nine runs, the last-wicket pair of Mitchell Santner and Lockie Ferguson scrambled singles. A edge to third man yielded a boundary. Ferguson, swinging hard, drove through mid-wicket for the winning runs. The crowd fell silent as New Zealand celebrated.
Turning points defined the comeback. West Indies’ early breakthroughs — reducing New Zealand to 45 for three — looked decisive. But Lennox’s earlier spell had restricted the hosts’ total to a chaseable number. Middle-order resistance from Daryl Mitchell (47) kept the target within reach. Tactically, New Zealand captain Kane Williamson rotated bowlers aggressively, denying West Indies any rhythm.
The 3-1 series lead represents a psychological blow to West Indies. They now face a dead rubber in the final ODI. For New Zealand, the momentum is tangible. The Blackcaps have now won three consecutive matches in the Caribbean, a region where they historically struggle.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: What was the final margin of victory in the NZ vs WI fourth ODI?
- A: New Zealand won by one wicket, needing nine runs with their last pair at the crease.
- Q: Who was the standout bowler for the Blackcaps?
- A: Spinner Lennox took 4 for 38, dismantling West Indies’ middle order and restricting them to 214 all out.
- Q: How did New Zealand secure the winning runs?
- A: The last-wicket pair of Mitchell Santner and Lockie Ferguson scrambled singles, a boundary off an edge, and Ferguson drove through mid-wicket for the winning runs.
Extended Reading
For the full scorecard, refer to ESPNcricinfo’s official match page. For Lennox’s detailed performance analysis, see Sport Nation’s feature. For the final over narrative, Yahoo Sports provided the real-time account.