WI vs NZ 4th ODI Results

10:22 PM IST The captain of West Indies - Shai Hope admits that it hasn't really sunk in yet. He calls it a fantastic game for the neutral, the kind any fan without a side to support would have thoroughly enjoyed. But says that with an automatic World Cup qualification on the line, the result stings, and is quick to commend his side for the fight they showed regardless. On the batting, he doesn't mince words, admitting West Indies were well under par. Mentions that batting first in the Caribbean is never straightforward, but details that this surface was never a 188 all-out pitch. He wants his batters, himself included, applying themselves better and reading conditions faster, with more intent and more responsibility shown at the top of the order especially. Stresses that against the world's second-ranked side, 180 simply doesn't cut it. He has nothing but praise for the bowling effort, pointing out there's only so much you can ask of an attack defending 188. Adds that Gudakesh Motie's return to form stood out for him, as did Matthew Forde carrying on from where he left off in Guyana, and Alzarri Joseph's consistency, which helped drag West Indies back into the contest. Says that the bowlers gave everything, and now it's on the batters to respond in kind. When asked about playing in memory of Sir Garfield Sobers and the backing from the stands, Hope thanks the Kensington crowd, calling it home and speaking of the warmth the team always feels playing there. He is disappointed not to get the win in Sobers' honour, but hopes the side can put things right in the next game. Looking ahead, he acknowledges automatic World Cup qualification has become a steep climb from here, but mentions that the team will keep fighting and aim to finish the series on a high.

10:19 PM IST Over and out - Phew! What a game, one that swung like a pendulum from start to finish. Proof, if any were needed, that no total is ever truly out of reach, and that even the lowest-scoring contests can go right down to the very last ball. New Zealand take the unassailable lead by winning the five-match ODI series 3-1. And with a game still to go, West Indies will aim to salvage pride and improve on their recurring batting vulnerabilities, especially against spin. The fifth and final ODI will be played in Barbados on Wednesday, 22nd July and the first ball is scheduled to be bowled at 6.30 pm GMT. But do join us early for the build up. Until then, we take your leave. Cheers!

10:16 PM IST PLAYER OF THE MATCH - The captain of New Zealand, MITCHELL SANTNER, deservingly wins the award for his match-winning knock of an unbeaten 34 (56). Reflecting on a chaotic finish, Santner admits the game probably shouldn't have gone as close as it did, but was just glad to get his side over the line. He speaks about the value of chipping away at the target in small partnerships, pointing out that even stands of 10 or 15 count for plenty in tense run chases like that one. On the bowling effort, he feels conditions were a touch tacky early on, with the seamers setting the tone before the spinners took over. Adds that New Zealand were pleased to restrict West Indies to 188, but never took it lightly, well aware of the quality in the home attack, an attack he felt lived up to that reputation on the day.

10:12 PM IST ... Time for the post-match Presentation ...

10:11 PM IST A paltry score - It was a morning of struggle for West Indies, and the scorecard made grim reading. In a game they simply had to set the tempo in, they've crashed to 188 all out, a total flattered considerably by a valiant 81-run stand for the seventh wicket between Gudakesh Motie and Amir Jangoo. Matt Fisher was the standout with the ball, the delivery that flattened Shai Hope's off stump among the moments of the match so far. He finished with 3 for 40, his first set of wickets in ODI cricket. Santner did the early damage up top, while Lennox, player of the match twice running now, held sway through the middle and death overs.

10:10 PM IST A Motie-vational performance - West Indies needed something close to a miracle to turn this game on its head, with New Zealand needing just 47 to get home. But the hosts made sure every one of those runs came hard-earned, turning a modest chase into a grind that had the Kiwis sweating right till the very end. Belief began to swell in the West Indies camp when Gudakesh Motie struck twice in quick succession, removing Chapman and Bracewell to leave New Zealand tottering at 149/6. The contest tightened further still when he completed his maiden ODI five-wicket haul, but standing firm between West Indies and victory was Santner. The Kiwi captain played the wall till the very end, shepherding the tail with composure and calm. And when it mattered most, with the game there for the taking, West Indies let him slip through their fingers.