New Zealand won by 1 wicket: in a low-scoring thriller, chasing down 189 with 35 balls to spare but only one wicket in hand.\n- **Jayden Lennox was the unlikely hero** — the No. 11 batsman survived 10 deliveries to keep Santner company during the tense finish, scoring a vital 0 not out. He described it as "the most meaningful nought" of his career.\n- **Lennox has been the standout bowler** of the series, taking 11 wickets across four matches, including a remarkable 5 for 19 in the second ODI. He now holds the record for **most wickets in a two-team series by a New Zealand spin bowler**.\n- **Mark Chapman top-scored** with 80 runs to anchor New Zealand's chase.\n- **West Indies paid tribute** to the late Sir Garry Sobers (who died at age 89), with black armbands, flags at half-mast, and a minute's silence before play.\n\n**Why this matters:** This series win demonstrates New Zealand's depth in ODI cricket, with players like Lennox stepping up and the team winning tight matches under pressure — a hallmark of championship-caliber sides.
West Indies were bowled out for 188 on a two-paced Kensington Oval surface after New Zealand won the toss and elected to bowl. The hosts slipped to 81 for 6 before a crucial 81-run partnership between Amir Jangoo (51 off 71) and Gudakesh Motie (41) revived the innings. Young New Zealand quick Matthew Fisher claimed 3 for 40, his first ODI wickets for the Blackcaps.
In reply, Mark Chapman's 80 kept New Zealand in the hunt, but the lower order crumbled under pressure. When captain Mitchell Santner (34*) walked in with the game in the balance, he found a willing ally in last man Jayden Lennox.
Lennox faced 10 balls without scoring, simply trying to survive while Santner chipped away at the target. With three runs needed and one wicket remaining, Santner skied a catch that West Indies fielders collided attempting to take. Lennox also survived reviews for caught-behind and lbw.
"It was absolute carnage," Lennox described the chaotic finish. "I think every single player from the West Indies side was sprawled across the ground."
The left-arm spinner has been instrumental in New Zealand's success, taking 11 wickets across the series — the most by any NZ spinner in a two-team bilateral series. He credited the Caribbean conditions and his simple approach:
> "For me, it's just keeping the game as simple as I can and making sure that I try and put the ball in the right area and let the surface do its thing for me."
The match was played in Sobers' hometown of Bridgetown at Kensington Oval, where he built his legendary career. Both teams wore black armbands, two seats in the Sir Garry Sobers Pavilion were left empty, and a minute's silence was observed. Sobers is widely regarded as the greatest all-rounder in cricket history, with over 8,000 Test runs and 200+ wickets.
What is the current series score between New Zealand and West Indies?
New Zealand lead the five-match ODI series 3-1 after winning the fourth ODI by one wicket.
Who was Player of the Match in the 4th ODI?
While not officially named in the reports, Jayden Lennox's all-round contribution (crucial bowling performance and his vital 10-ball survival with the bat) alongside Mark Chapman's 80 were key performances.
How many wickets has Jayden Lennox taken in the series?
Lennox has taken 11 wickets across four matches, including a career-best 5 for 19, making him the most successful New Zealand spinner in a two-team bilateral series.
When and where is the 5th ODI?
The fifth and final ODI is scheduled to be played at Kensington Oval, Barbados, following the fourth match.
New Zealand's depth is growing: — The Blackcaps are proving they can win without relying solely on their star players, with emerging talents like Lennox and Fisher stepping up.
Spin bowling in the Caribbean is thriving: — Despite expectations of high-scoring matches, surfaces have favored bowlers, showing that ODI cricket still rewards tactical bowling.
Teams that handle pressure win series: — New Zealand's ability to stay calm in a tense chase (with one wicket in hand) is a hallmark of a well-led side.
Cricket continues to honor its legends: — The tributes to Sir Garry Sobers show how the sport respects its history while building for the future.
Do you think New Zealand can make it 4-1 in the final ODI? Will Jayden Lennox continue his dream run against the West Indies? Share your thoughts below!
Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!
The West Indies cricket team is gearing up for a pivotal two-match Test series against Pakistan in Trinidad, starting July 2026. Head coach ...
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, India's 15-year-old teenage cricket sensation, announced himself on the international stage with a breathtaking maiden...
Nepal's cricket team endured a tough start to the ICC World Cup Cricket League 2 triangular series, falling to an eight-wicket defeat agains...
Sir Garfield Sobers, the legendary West Indies all-rounder and one of cricket's most iconic figures, has passed away at the age of 89. From ...
⚠ Disclaimer: Yanuki provides article summaries and links for reference only. Yanuki does not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy of third-party sources. Please review original sources and verify information independently. Managed by the Yanuki Data Engine. Full Disclaimer