New Zealand beat West Indies in fourth ODI to take unassailable 3-1 series lead

BARBADOS: New Zealand edged West Indies by one wicket in a thrilling low-scoring fourth ODI of the five-match series to take an unassailable 3-1 lead at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown on Sunday.

Chasing 189, the visitors struggled early but eventually chased down the target for the loss of nine wickets in 44.1 overs, thanks to a match-winning half-century from Mark Chapman and valuable contributions from captain Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell.

Chapman top-scored with a gritty 80 off 82 deliveries, striking eight fours and four sixes. Santner kept New Zealand's chase on track with a composed 34 off 56 balls, including two fours and a six.

Bracewell made a crucial 32 off 31 deliveries, hitting four fours and a six, while opener Will Young chipped in with 20 from 22 balls, including three boundaries.

Gudakesh Motie starred with the ball for West Indies, claiming 5/47 from his 10 overs. Matthew Forde took two wickets, while Jayden Seales and Alzarri Joseph claimed one each

Earlier, West Indies were bowled out for 188 in 44.4 overs after a disciplined bowling display by New Zealand.

Middle-order batter Amir Jangoo top-scored with 51 off 73 deliveries, hitting four fours, while Motie added a useful 41 from 56 balls, including three fours and a six.

Ackeem Auguste contributed 33 off 50 deliveries, striking two fours and a six, but the remainder of the batting line-up failed to make significant contributions.

Opener Justin Greaves scored 10 off 13 balls with two fours, while Keacy Carty made 13 from 24 deliveries, also hitting two boundaries.

Captain Shai Hope managed just two runs, while Matthew Forde and Jayden Seales scored seven each. Sherfane Rutherford made six, and Alzarri Joseph added nine.

Matthew Fisher was the pick of the New Zealand bowlers with 3/40 from eight overs. Santner and Bracewell claimed two wickets apiece, while Nathan Smith and Jayden Lennox took one each.