West Indies and New Zealand Set for Series Finale as Black Caps Eye Dominant Finish
New Zealand has already clinched the five-match ODI series 3-1, but both teams will compete for valuable ODI Championship points in the final game.
The story
Cricket action resumes today with the fifth and final One Day International between West Indies and New Zealand at Kensington Oval in Barbados. New Zealand has already secured the series with a commanding 3-1 lead, having won three consecutive matches after losing the opener.
While the series trophy is decided, both teams will be vying for crucial ODI Championship points and individual milestones. The West Indies will be looking for a stronger batting performance, having been bowled out inside 50 overs in their last three defeats to the Black Caps.
Meanwhile, Pakistan's tour of West Indies continues with the final day of their four-day warm-up match against a West Indies Select XI at the Brian Lara Stadium. At the close of play on Day 3, the Select XI trailed Pakistan by 187 runs with two wickets remaining, with Pakistan having declared their first innings at 455 for 4. Additionally, Nepal faces Namibia in the 116th match of the ICC Cricket World Cup League Two in Utrecht, with both associate nations seeking vital points for 2027 World Cup qualification.
Series in play
New Zealand tour of West Indies. 5th ODI, New Zealand leads 3-1
Pakistan tour of West Indies. 4-Day Warm-up match, Day 3 concluded
ICC Cricket World Cup League Two 2023-27. Nepal vs Namibia, 116th Match (starting today)
Tables that matter
| Competition | Position | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ICC Men's ODI Team Rankings | 1st: India (116 points), 2nd: New Zealand (111 points), 3rd: Australia (102 points) | India retains the top spot despite losing points after their recent ODI series. |
| ICC Men's Test Team Rankings | 1st: Australia, 2nd: South Africa, 3rd: India | Australia remains at the top, with India climbing to third as of May 2026. |
| ICC Men's T20I Team Rankings | 1st: England, 2nd: India, 3rd: Australia | England leads the T20I rankings as of July 2026. |
What we'll be watching
- West Indies vs New Zealand, 5th ODI, July 21, Kensington Oval (18:30 UTC).
- West Indies Select XI vs Pakistan, 4-Day Warm-up match, Day 4, July 21, Brian Lara Stadium (14:00 UTC).
- Nepal vs Namibia, 116th Match, ICC Cricket World Cup League Two, July 21, Sportpark Maarschalkerweerd (09:00 UTC).
Reporting + analyst voices: grounded via Google Search at publish time.