West Indies vs New Zealand Today's Match Prediction, 5th ODI - Who will win today’s match?
WI vs NZ 5th ODI - Who will win today’s match? (Source: @windiescricket)
Published - 21 Jul 2026, 10:00 PM• Read time - 12 mins
Having conceded the series, the fifth ODI of the ongoing bilateral series against New Zealand at the Kensington Oval in Barbados will be an opportunity for West Indies to salvage their pride.
The hosts registered a seven-wicket win in the series opener, but their hopes of winning evaporated one game after another, largely with repeated batting failures.
The Shai Hope-led side has failed to breach the 200-run mark on the last three occasions and looks incapable of arresting its batting slide. What's worse is that they look certain to enter the qualifiers yet again to ensure their berth for the 2027 ODI World Cup in southern Africa.
They are currently ranked 10th on the ICC men's ODI team rankings and needed to win every single game in this series to maximise their chances of securing direct qualification for the marquee event.
New Zealand, on the other hand, are immune to any such worries and have scripted a remarkable comeback after being battered in the series opener. The only concern for them is the unavailability of their star batter Daryl Mitchell for the fifth ODI. He is travelling back home to recover from a low-grade hip strain.
WI vs NZ Match Info
| Date | Fixture | Match No | Venue | Start time (Local time) |
| Tuesday, July 21 | West Indies vs New Zealand | 5th ODI | Kensington Oval, Barbados | 2:30 PM |
Kensington Oval, Barbados Stats (Men's ODI)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Matches Played | 50 |
| Matches Won Batting First | 19 |
| Matches Won Bowling First | 30 |
| No Result | 1 |
| Average 1st Innings Score | 226 |
| Average 2nd Innings Score | 201 |
| Highest Total Recorded | 360/8 (50) by West Indies vs England, 2019 (Batting first) |
| Lowest Total Recorded | 91/10 (30) by Ireland vs Australia, 2007 |
| Highest Score Chased | 361 [364/4 in 48.4 overs] by England vs West Indies, 2019 |
| Lowest Score Defended | 197 by Pakistan vs West Indies, 2000 |
Kensington Oval Pitch Report and Playing Conditions:
| Aspect | Batters | Pacers | Spinners |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Assistance | Decent | Good | Good |
| Bounce | Good | Good | Moderate |
| Movement/turn | Decent | Minimal after powerplay | Good |
| Best Phase | Middle overs | With the new ball | Middle Overs |
WI vs NZ Head-to-Head record (ODIs)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 74 |
| West Indies | 32 |
| New Zealand | 35 |
| No result | 7 |
West Indies vs New Zealand Predicted Playing XI
West Indies (WI):
Ackeem Auguste, Justin Greaves, Keacy Carty, Shai Hope (c, wk), Amir Jangoo, Sherfane Rutherford/Shimron Hetmyer, Matthew Forde, Gudakesh Motie, Alzarri Joseph, Jayden Seales, Vitel Lawes
New Zealand (NZ):
Henry Nicholls, Will Young, Nick Kelly, Mark Chapman, Tom Latham (wk), Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Nathan Smith, Jacob Duffy, Matthew Fisher/Ben Lister/Kristian Clarke, Jayden Lennox
Players to watch out for in WI vs NZ:
Shai Hope (WI):
Shai Hope needs to step up as West Indies' batting line-up desperately needs someone to play the anchor's role and bat right through the innings. Hope needs to put his hand up and be that individual on Tuesday.
Mitchell Santner (NZ):
Mitchell Santner has been a terrific leader for the Blackcaps and adds value to the team with his all-round skills. He'd be itching to lead the side by example and secure a 4-1 win.
Today's Match Prediction: New Zealand to win
Disclaimer: This prediction is based on current form, team balance, and available match data. Cricket remains unpredictable, and actual results may vary.