The result provided a positive finish for the Caribbean side after a challenging series and highlighted the impact of experienced batter Shimron Hetmyer, whose unbeaten innings guided the team across the finish line.

Chasing 269, West Indies completed the target in 47.3 overs despite losing wickets at crucial intervals. Hetmyer remained unbeaten on 69 and was named Player of the Match for his composed knock under pressure.

Earlier, New Zealand recovered from a shaky start to post 268 for nine after being asked to bat.

The visitors suffered an early setback when Henry Nicholls was dismissed for 10 with only 16 runs on the board. However, opener Will Young and Nick Kelly steadied the innings with an important partnership that rebuilt momentum after the early breakthrough.

The pair added 86 runs for the second wicket and helped New Zealand regain control. Young went on to score 56, while Kelly contributed 64 as the visitors crossed the 100-run mark.

Even after both set batters departed, New Zealand continued to accumulate runs through the middle overs. Tom Latham played a significant role in maintaining the scoring rate and added a valuable 69-run innings. His contribution ensured the visitors remained on course for a competitive total.

Captain Mitchell Santner and Nathan Smith added useful runs towards the end of the innings, helping New Zealand finish on 268/9 from their allotted 50 overs.

For West Indies, Alzarri Joseph and Vitel Lewis claimed two wickets each, while the remaining bowlers chipped in with timely breakthroughs.

The chase began positively for the home side.

Openers Alick Athanaze and Justin Greaves provided a solid foundation and added more than fifty runs before New Zealand struck back. Despite the promising start, West Indies soon lost wickets in quick succession and found themselves under pressure.

Keacy Carty and captain Shai Hope got starts but were unable to convert them into substantial scores. At one stage, the hosts were reduced to 123 for four, bringing New Zealand back into the contest.

The turning point came through a crucial partnership between Sherfane Rutherford and Shimron Hetmyer.

The duo counterattacked effectively and added 95 runs for the fifth wicket. Their stand not only repaired the innings but also shifted momentum firmly in West Indies' favour.

Rutherford played an aggressive knock of 61 before being stumped by Tom Latham off the bowling of Michael Bracewell. By then, however, the hosts had moved significantly closer to the target.

With Rutherford back in the pavilion, Hetmyer took responsibility for steering the chase. He paced his innings carefully, mixing caution with timely boundaries, and remained unbeaten until the winning runs were scored.

His 69 not out proved decisive as West Indies crossed the target with more than two overs remaining.

For New Zealand, Jacob Duffy and Jaden Lennox were the standout bowlers, taking three wickets each. Despite their efforts, the visitors were unable to defend the total in the closing stages.

Although West Indies celebrated victory in the final match, New Zealand finished the series with the overall honours after winning three of the five games. The visitors also collected individual awards, with Jaden Lennox being named Player of the Series for his consistent performances throughout the contest.

The result gives West Indies valuable confidence heading into upcoming international assignments, while New Zealand will be encouraged by securing a series win away from home despite the setback in the final fixture.