New Zealand wrapped up a convincing six-wicket victory over West Indies in the third one-day international at the Guyana National Stadium on Thursday, with young seamer Jayden Lennox proving the difference between the two sides. Chasing a modest 141, the Kiwis got home with more than ten overs to spare, rounding off what has been an authoritative series display. For punters who had backed New Zealand at the outset of this series, it has been a rewarding watch — and this result will only tighten their grip at the top of the outright markets.
Lennox Tears Through the West Indies Middle Order
West Indies were bowled out for 140 in 37.1 overs, and it was Lennox who did the bulk of the damage. The right-armer finished with figures of 4 for 52 from his full allocation of ten overs, removing captain and wicketkeeper Shai Hope for just eight, before later accounting for Keemo Paul (lbw), Gudakesh Motie (bowled), and Alzarri Joseph to wrap up the tail. It was a thoroughly controlled spell, and at an economy rate of 5.20, he kept the run-rate in check throughout. Michael Bracewell also chipped in handsomely, claiming 2 for 33 from ten overs, while Mitch Santner picked up two wickets of his own for 15 runs in 8.1 economical overs.
West Indies Struggle to Build Any Momentum
The home side's innings was disrupted early when opener John Campbell retired hurt having scored just six runs from 16 balls, which rather set the tone for a fragmented batting performance. Keacy Carty top-scored with 48 from 77 balls, showing some fight in the middle overs, while Ackeem Auguste contributed 26 at the top of the order and Shimron Hetmyer hit an enterprising 26 from 28 deliveries lower down. However, no one could convert a start into a significant knock, and wickets fell in clusters — the hosts collapsing from 121 for 3 to 140 all out as Lennox and Bracewell ripped through the lower order. From a betting perspective, the failure of the West Indies batting line-up to consistently fire will make them difficult to back in any series that follows without meaningful improvement.
New Zealand Steady Under Pressure
The Kiwis' run chase was hardly a procession — Vitel Lawes made things uncomfortable with three wickets for 39 runs in his ten overs — but New Zealand showed the composure of a well-organised unit. Will Young (23) and Henry Nicholls (24) gave the side a solid platform, and although wickets fell at intervals, Tom Latham was unbeaten on 31 and Dean Foxcroft finished not out on 22 to see the visitors home. Daryl Mitchell chipped in with 28 before falling to Khary Pierre, but by that point the result was rarely in doubt. Santner's side showed admirable clarity of purpose throughout, never allowing the required rate to climb to a dangerous level.
Scorecard Summary
West Indies: 140 all out (37.1 overs) — Carty 48, Auguste 26, Hetmyer 26; Lennox 4-52, Bracewell 2-33, Santner 2-15.
New Zealand: 141-4 (39.3 overs) — Latham 31*, Mitchell 28, Foxcroft 22*; Lawes 3-39, Pierre 1-26.
New Zealand's clinical display in Guyana will serve as a timely reminder of why they continue to be respected in the shorter formats. Lennox, in particular, looks a genuine talent to follow — if you're assessing future series markets involving the Kiwis, he could prove a key factor. A thoroughly professional performance from Santner's men from start to finish.
