New Zealand are the slight favourites in our WI vs NZ match prediction, entering this series decider with a 54% win probability and three wins on the bounce. Their momentum is the defining factor, NZ have found their rhythm at exactly the right time, with Mark Chapman tipped to anchor the innings and Michael Bracewell’s all-round contributions keeping pressure on West Indies at every stage. This preview covers the pitch, weather, playing XI, head-to-head records, and fantasy cricket tips ahead of tonight’s decisive 5th ODI in Bridgetown.
West Indies vs New Zealand Match Details
Match | West Indies vs New Zealand | 5th ODI | New Zealand Tour of West Indies 2026 |
Date | 21/07/2026 (Monday) |
Time | BDT 12:30 AM / PKT 11:30 PM / INR 12:00 AM |
Format | ODI |
Venue | Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados |
Recent Performance | West Indies – A W L L L, New Zealand – L L W W W |
WI vs NZ New Zealand Tour of West Indies 2026: Live Streaming & Broadcast Info
The New Zealand Tour of West Indies 2026 is available across multiple regions through the following broadcast platforms:
- Pakistan: Tapmad (Digital)
- India: FanCode (Digital)
- Bangladesh: FanCode (Digital)
- United Kingdom: TNT Sports
- USA & Canada: Willow TV (TV), Cricbuzz (Digital)
- Australia & New Zealand: Sky Sport NZ (New Zealand), Fox Sports (Australia)
- Worldwide: Matches available via Sports Live Hub for global streaming access across regions.
Broadcast details may vary by region.
West Indies vs New Zealand Toss Prediction
New Zealand are expected to win the toss and elect to bat first at Kensington Oval. The Bridgetown surface offers pacer-friendly conditions early, making it easier to build an innings than to chase against moving ball under lights. Dew is likely to ease chasing conditions later on, so NZ will aim to post 260+ and put the onus firmly on West Indies’ batting lineup to deliver under pressure.
Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados Pitch Report
Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados
Kensington Oval is a sporting surface with something for everyone. Pacers find pace and bounce in the first powerplay, while spinners come into play as the surface dries out in the second innings. Scores in the 250–280 range are par in 50-over cricket here, with a quick outfield that keeps boundaries accessible. Teams posting 260+ have historically been well-placed to defend in Bridgetown, making first-innings runs at a premium in this encounter.
Weather Report
Bridgetown in July is hot and humid, with temperatures in the low-to-mid 30s Celsius. Caribbean showers are always a possibility, though evening conditions at Kensington Oval tend to settle for night fixtures. Dew is likely to develop as the match progresses under lights, making the ball harder to grip and subtly favouring the chasing side in the back half another reason winning the toss and batting first is the smarter call here.
WI vs NZ Head-to-Head Records
Matches Played | 73 |
WI Won | 32 |
NZ Won | 34 |
Tied | 0 |
No Result | 7 |
First-ever Fixture | June 14, 1975 |
Most-recent Fixture | July 19, 2026 |
West Indies vs New Zealand Team Preview & Squads
West Indies
Shai Hope captains West Indies and doubles as the batting backbone of this side. His ability to anchor the innings and accumulate smartly through the middle overs is central to how WI build competitive totals. In a series where the hosts have stuttered with the bat, Hope’s presence at the crease remains their most reliable constant, and a long innings from him tonight is essentially a must if WI are to set a target worth defending.
Ackeem Auguste is the key batter to watch, bringing the strokeplay and tempo that can shift the game’s momentum in a single over. Brandon King and Shimron Hetmyer add explosive firepower around Auguste and Hope, while Sherfane Rutherford and Justin Greaves provide middle-order flexibility. WI are targeting 250+, but they’ll need multiple contributors to get there against a disciplined NZ bowling attack.
Gudakesh Motie is the bowling centrepiece and arguably WI’s most valuable player in this series, his left-arm spin has consistently troubled NZ batters and earned him MVP recognition in the 4th ODI. Alzarri Joseph, the predicted top wicket-taker, leads the pace attack with raw pace and bounce, while Shamar Joseph, Keemo Paul, and Jayden Seales complete a seam department capable of making early inroads.
West Indies Squad:
West Indies
Shai Hope, Ackeem Auguste, Keacy Carty, Matthew Forde, Justin Greaves, Shimron Hetmyer, Amir Jangoo, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Vitel Lawes, Gudakesh Motie, Keemo Paul, Khary Pierre, Sherfane Rutherford, Jayden Seales
New Zealand
Mitchell Santner captains New Zealand with a calm authority that the squad clearly feeds off. Fresh off a Player of the Match performance in the 4th ODI, where his 34* and 2/36 sealed a remarkable one-wicket win, Santner embodies the never-say-die character that has carried NZ to three successive victories and into this decider with real belief and a settled playing XI.
Mark Chapman is the batting linchpin, tipped as both the predicted top run-scorer and most sixes-hitter in this fixture. His ability to construct long innings while finding boundaries at will makes him the cornerstone of the NZ batting plan. Tom Latham, Henry Nicholls, and Daryl Mitchell provide experience and solidity through the middle order, while Will Young and Nick Kelly give NZ the platform they need at the top.
Matthew Fisher leads the seam attack as NZ’s primary wicket-taker with the new ball, while Michael Bracewell, the predicted top wicket-taker and this preview’s standout all-rounder pick, gives Santner an invaluable player who can change games across all three disciplines. Jacob Duffy, Ben Lister, and Kristian Clarke add pace variety, and Nathan Smith’s off-spin provides a spin option in Barbados conditions where turn is available.
New Zealand Squad:
New Zealand
Mitchell Santner, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Kristian Clarke, Jacob Duffy, Matthew Fisher, Dean Foxcroft, Mitchell Hay, Nick Kelly, Tom Latham, Jayden Lennox, Ben Lister, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Nathan Smith, Will Young
WI vs NZ Prediction
Event | West Indies (WI) | New Zealand (NZ) |
Toss Winner | – | New Zealand |
Player of the Match | – | Mark Chapman |
Top Run Scorer | Shai Hope | Mark Chapman |
Top Wicket Taker | Alzarri Joseph | Michael Bracewell |
Most Sixes | Shai Hope | Mark Chapman |
Predicted Score | 250+ | 260+ |
Win Probability | 46% | 54% |
West Indies vs New Zealand Winning Prediction
West Indies vs New Zealand match prediction lands firmly with the tourists, as New Zealand hold a 54% win probability riding the crest of three consecutive victories. Chapman’s batting form and Bracewell’s all-round reliability make NZ the more complete unit for a winner-takes-all ODI decider. That said, Gudakesh Motie has the skill and form to single-handedly derail any NZ innings don’t write off the Windies just yet. Who do you think takes the series? Share your prediction and follow JeetBuzz for live updates, fantasy cricket stats, and expert analysis throughout the New Zealand Tour of West Indies 2026!
FAQ: New Zealand Tour of West Indies 2026 – 5th ODI
Q1: What time does the West Indies vs New Zealand 5th ODI start in IST?
A: The 5th ODI between West Indies and New Zealand starts at 12:00 AM IST on July 21, 2026 (late night/early hours).
Q2: Where can I watch the West Indies vs New Zealand 5th ODI live online?
A: The match is available to stream live on Sports Live Hub (SLH).
Q3: Who is the key player to watch in today’s WI vs NZ 5th ODI?
A: Mark Chapman of New Zealand is the predicted Player of the Match, while Gudakesh Motie remains West Indies’ most dangerous player with the ball in this series.