Hetmyer, Rutherford lead West Indies to consolation victory 

Half-centuries from Shimron Hetmyer and Sherfane Rutherford guided the West Indies to a thrilling two-wicket victory over New Zealand national cricket team in the fifth and final ODI at Kensington Oval in Barbados.

Despite the win, New Zealand claimed the 3-2 series victory, while the West Indies successfully chased a target of 269 with 15 balls remaining.

Earlier on, New Zealand scored 268 for nine after solid half-centuries from Will Young (56), Nick Kelly (64) and captain Tom Latham (69).

For the West Indies, Alzarri Joseph was the standout bowler with 2-38 from his 10 overs, while Vitel Lawes also claimed 2-63.

Matthew Forde, Gudakesh Motie, and Jayden Seales each took one wicket.

In their chase, the West Indies made a strong start through Ackeem Auguste (34) and Justin Greaves (22) with a 57 run partnership for the first wicket, but slipped to 123 for four after losing several key wickets in quick succession, including Keacy Carty (20) and captain Shai Hope (39).

The match turned when Shimron Hetmyer and Sherfane Rutherford added a crucial 95-run partnership.

Rutherford scored 61 from 58 balls, while Hetmyer remained unbeaten on 69 from 64 balls, striking two fours and four sixes to guide the West Indies to victory.

The West Indies held their nerve in a tense finish despite losing Gudakesh Motie (4), Matthew Forde (8) and Alzarri Joseph (0) late in the chase.
Still needing 17 runs from the last four overs, Player of the Match Shimron Hetmyer struck crucial boundaries before Jayden Seales sealed the victory with a boundary.
For New Zealand, Jacob Duffy took 3-67, while Jayden Lennox claimed 3-35 and was named Player of the Series as New Zealand secured the 3-2 ODI series win.