Afghanistan secured direct qualification for the 2027 ODI World Cup after defeating Ireland by three wickets in the third ODI in Belfast on Monday.

Afghanistan opted to bowl first and dismissed Ireland for 206 runs in 46.3 overs. The visitors then chased down the target in 44.5 overs, finishing on 207 for seven.

All-rounder Rashid Khan played the decisive role in the tense chase. He remained unbeaten on 37 runs from 43 ballsand also claimed three wickets, earning the Player of the Match award.

Rashid Guides Afghanistan Home

Afghanistan appeared to be under pressure during the chase after losing their seventh wicket at 176.

Rashid, however, held his nerve and took responsibility for finishing the match. He struck four boundaries during his unbeaten innings and combined with Yamin Ahmadzai to take Afghanistan across the finish line.

Yamin stayed unbeaten on four from 26 balls as the pair guided Afghanistan to 207 for seven in 44.5 overs.

The victory also completed Afghanistan's second successive win over Ireland in the ODI series and provided the qualification boost the team needed.

How Afghanistan Qualified

Afghanistan's qualification is linked to the ICC ODI rankings and the cutoff date for direct qualification.

The team is currently ranked eighth in the ODI rankings. By securing the required results against Ireland, Afghanistan is set to remain inside the top eight until September 30, 2026, the cutoff date used for direct qualification for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

The top-ranked teams at the cutoff will qualify directly, while teams outside the qualifying positions will have to go through the qualification route.

Afghanistan's victory therefore guarantees its place in the 2027 tournament.

West Indies Face Qualifiers

Afghanistan's qualification also means that the West Indies will have to enter the World Cup qualifiers.

The West Indies are currently ranked 10th in the ODI standings. Even victories in their upcoming two-match ODI series against India would not be enough to take them into the top eight by the qualification cutoff, according to the current qualification scenario.

The development is a setback for the two-time ODI World Cup champions, who will now have to negotiate the qualifying pathway to secure a place at the 2027 tournament.

Rashid Khan’s All-Round Impact

Rashid's contribution was crucial at both stages of the match.

After helping Afghanistan restrict Ireland to 206, the leg-spinner returned to the middle during a difficult chase and remained unbeaten until the winning runs were scored.

His three wickets and 37-run innings made him the standout performer of the match.

The result also highlights Afghanistan's growing presence in international ODI cricket. The team has developed into a competitive side in major ICC tournaments and will now prepare for another World Cup appearance.

Fourth World Cup Appearance

The 2027 ODI World Cup will be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

Afghanistan's qualification will mark its fourth appearance in the men's ODI World Cup.

The team made its World Cup debut in 2015 and has since become a regular presence on the global stage.

With direct qualification now secured, Afghanistan can focus on building its squad and preparing for the conditions expected in southern Africa.

For Ireland, meanwhile, the defeat ends its hopes of securing direct qualification through the current ODI ranking route and increases the importance of the qualification process ahead.

Kingston: Pakistan's batting mainstay Babar Azam came agonisingly close to ending one of the longest and most talked-about droughts of his Test career, only to suffer a heartbreaking run-out on 88 against the West Indies. The dismissal not only ended a promising innings but also extended his wait for a Test century to more than 1,300 days, leaving the former Pakistan captain visibly devastated on the field.

The defining image of the day came moments after the dismissal. Babar remained on his knees near the crease even after television replays confirmed that he had failed to make his ground. His bat was stretched desperately towards the crease, but the stumps had already been broken. While West Indies players celebrated the breakthrough, Babar stayed motionless for several seconds, reflecting the disappointment of letting another opportunity slip away.

The right-handed batter looked in complete control throughout his innings. He scored 88 runs off 147 deliveries, striking 10 boundaries and one six. More importantly, he played a crucial role in rescuing Pakistan after the early loss of two wickets. Batting alongside Abdullah Shafique, Babar stitched together a 183-run partnership for the third wicket, putting Pakistan in a commanding position in reply to the West Indies' first-innings total.

Unlike many of his recent innings, Babar's knock was built on patience and composure rather than aggressive stroke play. He negotiated the new ball confidently, handled the spinners comfortably, and gradually settled into his rhythm. As the innings progressed, it appeared increasingly likely that he would finally register the Test century that had eluded him for years. However, a mix-up while attempting a quick single brought an abrupt end to the innings.

Television replays showed Babar diving desperately to make his ground after turning back midway through the run. Despite extending his bat as far as possible, he fell just short of the crease. The dismissal proved especially painful because he had already done the hard work required to build a substantial innings and was only 12 runs away from reaching three figures.

Babar's last Test century came on December 26, 2022, against New Zealand in Karachi, where he scored a magnificent 161. Since then, he has crossed the fifty-run mark on several occasions but has repeatedly failed to convert promising starts into hundreds. By the time he was dismissed for 88 against the West Indies, his wait for another Test century had stretched to 1,317 days, leaving his tally of Test hundreds stuck at nine.

For a batter once regarded among the finest across all formats, the prolonged absence of a Test hundred has become an unusual statistic. During the peak of his career, Babar built his reputation on converting starts into match-defining centuries. His ability to bat for long periods and dominate bowling attacks consistently placed him among the world's elite batters. However, that conversion rate has noticeably declined in the longest format over the past few years.

Although Babar ended his overall international century drought by scoring an unbeaten ODI hundred against Sri Lanka in November 2025, success in Test cricket has continued to evade him. Every innings since then has carried additional scrutiny, with fans and experts waiting for the former captain to rediscover the consistency that once defined his red-ball career.

Despite missing out on the landmark, Babar's innings played a significant role in strengthening Pakistan's position in the match. His partnership with Abdullah Shafique helped the visitors recover from early setbacks and put them in control against the West Indies bowling attack. The innings also showed encouraging signs of rhythm and confidence, even though it ultimately ended in disappointment.

The dismissal has once again sparked discussions among former cricketers and analysts about Babar's inability to convert solid starts into centuries in Test cricket. While many believe his fluent 88 indicates that another hundred may not be far away, others point out that finishing innings has become the biggest challenge in his recent red-ball career. With Pakistan scheduled to play more Test cricket later this year, all eyes will remain on whether one of the modern game's finest batters can finally bring an end to his lengthy wait for a Test hundred.

Chasing a target of 211, Pakistan were bowled out for just 120 in 40.2 overs as West Indies pace spearhead Jayden Seales produced a match-winning spell, claiming 5 wickets for 35 runs. The defeat also extended Pakistan's disappointing overseas Test record, marking their eighth consecutive loss away from home.

Pakistan Collapse in Run Chase

Pakistan resumed the day needing 211 runs for victory but never recovered after losing early wickets.

Imam-ul-Haq departed for 8, Azan Awais managed only 6, while Salman Ali Agha was dismissed without scoring before lunch. The early breakthroughs placed Pakistan under immense pressure, and the middle order failed to recover despite brief resistance.

Mohammad Rizwan and Aamir Jamal were unable to build substantial partnerships as wickets continued to fall at regular intervals.

Seales Leads Outstanding Pace Attack

Twenty-three-year-old Jayden Seales once again demonstrated why he is regarded as one of the Caribbean's brightest fast-bowling talents.

The right-arm pacer finished with outstanding figures of 5 for 35 from 13.2 overs, registering his second five-wicket haul against Pakistan in Test cricket. His disciplined line and movement consistently troubled the Pakistani batters throughout the innings.

Justin Greaves supported him with two wickets, while experienced pacer Kemar Roach and all-rounder Shamar Joseph claimed one wicket each as the hosts completed an emphatic victory.

Babar Azam's Fighting Fifty Not Enough

Former Pakistan captain Babar Azam stood firm amid the collapse, remaining unbeaten on 52 from 86 deliveries. The innings marked his 32nd half-century in Test cricket and briefly kept Pakistan's hopes alive.

Batting with the tail, Babar added 36 runs for the final wicket alongside Mohammad Abbas, who contributed seven runs. However, Seales trapped Abbas lbw to seal the victory, leaving Babar stranded at the non-striker's end.

Despite Babar's resilience, no other Pakistani batter managed to convert their start into a meaningful contribution.

Shan Masood Battled Through Injury

Pakistan captain Shan Masood played despite suffering a fractured finger during West Indies' first innings.

The injury, sustained while fielding, forced him to bat lower down the order. He was dismissed for six runs, with visible discomfort throughout his brief stay at the crease.

West Indies Lower Order Added Valuable Runs

Earlier in the day, West Indies resumed their second innings at 93 for 7 before extending their advantage through an important partnership between Shamar Joseph and Kemar Roach.

Joseph scored 32 while Roach contributed 22 as the pair added 61 runs for the eighth wicket. Their partnership proved crucial in stretching the total to 148, setting Pakistan a challenging target of 211 on a pitch offering assistance to the fast bowlers.

Those additional runs ultimately proved decisive as Pakistan failed to mount a successful chase.

Emotional Victory Dedicated to Sir Garfield Sobers

The victory carried additional emotional significance for West Indies cricket.

Had legendary all-rounder Sir Garfield Sobers been alive, he would have celebrated his 90th birthday on the same day. Following the match, West Indies captain Roston Chase dedicated the victory to the Caribbean icon.

Chase also pointed out the remarkable coincidence that West Indies had won by exactly 90 runs, matching what would have been Sobers' 90th birthday.

The result gives West Indies early control of the series heading into the second and final Test, while Pakistan will now be under pressure to respond and avoid another overseas series defeat.

With three wickets still in hand, West Indies will head into the fourth day aiming to push their advantage beyond the 200-run mark and place Pakistan under significant pressure in the final innings.

Pakistan resumed the third day at 209/3, with captain Shan Masood and Salman Ali Agha looking well set to guide the visitors towards a commanding first-innings total. Masood continued his composed innings to complete a valuable century, scoring 109 runs and anchoring Pakistan's batting effort.

However, the innings changed dramatically once Salman Ali Agha departed. West Indies pacer Justin Greaves exploited the lower order with disciplined bowling, claiming five wickets for just 27 runs. His spell ensured Pakistan were bowled out for 282, allowing West Indies to secure a narrow but crucial first-innings lead of 29 runs.

Greaves' performance marked the first five-wicket haul of his Test career and proved to be one of the defining moments of the match. His ability to break partnerships and clean up the tail prevented Pakistan from building the sizeable advantage they had appeared capable of earlier in the day.

West Indies' second innings also began under pressure.

Pakistan's pace attack struck early as Mohammad Abbas removed Brandon King and Kavem Hodge, while Mohammad Ali dismissed Amir Jangoo. At tea, the hosts were struggling at 30/3, with Pakistan threatening to seize control despite conceding the first-innings lead.

Tejnarayan Chandrapaul attempted to steady the innings with a patient knock of 35 and added 37 runs alongside Justin Greaves. Their partnership briefly stabilised the batting before Pakistan once again made inroads through Amir Jamal, Mohammad Abbas and Khurram Shahzad.

The visitors continued to chip away at the wickets during the final session, reducing West Indies to 94/7 before an aggressive counterattack shifted momentum back towards the home side.

Lower-order batter Shamar Joseph produced an entertaining cameo, taking the attack to Pakistan's bowlers. He smashed three sixes in a single over from Amir Jamal, quickly adding valuable runs at a stage when every run carried extra significance.

Joseph remained unbeaten on 22 at stumps alongside veteran fast bowler Kemar Roach, who was unbeaten on 13. Their unbroken partnership of 32 runs for the eighth wicket extended West Indies' overall lead to 155 runs and frustrated Pakistan late in the day.

The fourth morning is expected to play a decisive role in shaping the outcome of the match.

West Indies will look to stretch their advantage beyond 200 runs before attempting to dismiss Pakistan on a pitch that has begun offering increasing assistance to the bowlers. Pakistan, meanwhile, will aim to wrap up the remaining wickets quickly and give themselves a manageable target in the fourth innings.

While Shan Masood's century kept Pakistan competitive, Justin Greaves' outstanding bowling performance and West Indies' fighting lower-order resistance have shifted the momentum in favour of the hosts heading into the penultimate day of the Test.

Set 269 to win after New Zealand posted 268 for 9, West Indies stumbled early, slipping to 123 for 4 as New Zealand's spin attack — led by Mitchell Santner, who came on in the 10th over — tightened its grip through the middle overs, conceding just 37 runs across 13 overs in tandem. The chase looked to be slipping away again when Jacob Duffy struck twice in two balls during the 45th over, leaving West Indies needing 21 off 32 balls with only two wickets in hand.

That's when Hetmyer took over. Having built a crucial 91-run stand with Sherfane Rutherford earlier in the innings, he responded to the late pressure by hitting Duffy for two sixes in the same over, effectively settling the match. He finished unbeaten on 69 off 64 balls, studded with two fours and four maximums, guiding West Indies home in 47.3 overs and earning the Player of the Match award — only the third time in his ODI career he's finished a successful chase not out. Rutherford's 61 off 58 balls, including five sixes, had earlier provided the platform that kept West Indies in the hunt.

New Zealand's total of 268 for 9 was built on a trio of contributing innings — Will Young made 56, Nick Kelly 64, and captain Tom Latham anchored the innings with a fluent 69, with the visitors adding 70 runs in the final Powerplay to push their total to the highest first-innings score of the series. Jayden Lennox and Duffy each finished with three wickets for New Zealand, while Alzarri Joseph and Vitel Lawes picked up two apiece in the chase.

Despite the defeat, New Zealand collected the series 3-2, extending their run to four consecutive bilateral ODI series wins over West Indies. For the hosts, the victory — arriving after the series was already lost — offers a timely confidence boost heading into their upcoming World Cup Qualifier campaign. Speaking after the match, Hetmyer said he'd stopped thinking about reaching a personal milestone partway through the innings and focused purely on seeing the team across the line, a mindset that's become something of a trademark for the 29-year-old finisher across his 59 ODI appearances since debuting in 2017.

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.

Santner Leads New Zealand to Series Victory

New Zealand survived a tense finish to chase down a target of 189 and clinch the ODI series with one match remaining. The visitors appeared in serious trouble at 149 for 6 after losing wickets at regular intervals, but captain Mitchell Santner guided his side home with an unbeaten 34-run knock under pressure.

The dramatic turning point came late in the chase when New Zealand required only three runs to win with just one wicket in hand. Santner offered a chance in the 44th over, but a collision between fielders Alick Athanaze and Justin Greaves resulted in the catch being dropped. The missed opportunity proved costly as Santner struck a boundary on the first ball of the next over to seal victory and the series.

Earlier in the chase, Mark Chapman played a crucial role after New Zealand stumbled to 6 for 2. The left-hander scored 80 runs from 82 deliveries and rebuilt the innings with a composed approach. However, West Indies spinner Gudakesh Motie brought the hosts back into contention by claiming five wickets and triggering a middle-order collapse.

Despite Motie’s impressive spell, Santner remained calm at the crease and combined with last-man Jayden Lennox to complete the chase.

West Indies Struggle with the Bat

After being asked to bat, West Indies were bowled out for 188. The hosts failed to build substantial partnerships for most of their innings before Amir Jangoo and Gudakesh Motie added 81 runs together to provide some resistance.

However, the recovery came too late to push the total beyond a competitive score. New Zealand’s bowling attack maintained control throughout the innings, with Santner and Matthew Fisher picking up two wickets each.

The victory gives New Zealand a winning 3-1 lead heading into the final ODI and continues the team's strong form in limited-overs cricket.

Bangladesh Complete Comeback Against Zimbabwe

In Bulawayo, Bangladesh recovered from an opening-match defeat to win the final two games of the T20I series and secure a 2-1 triumph over Zimbabwe.

The visitors entered the decider under pressure after losing the first match of the series but responded strongly to claim their first T20I series victory of 2026.

For Zimbabwe, the match was significant for captain Sikandar Raza, who became the country's most-capped international cricketer across formats with his 314th appearance. The landmark, however, ended in disappointment as the hosts failed to defend a modest total.

Myers’ Fifty Not Enough

Zimbabwe struggled to accelerate after a promising start. Dion Myers scored a half-century and shared a 71-run partnership with Brian Bennett, helping the hosts establish a solid platform.

Bangladesh’s bowlers fought back brilliantly in the closing stages. The visitors conceded only 25 runs in the final four overs while taking four wickets, preventing Zimbabwe from posting a bigger score.

Mohammad Saifuddin was among the standout performers with the ball, claiming two important wickets during the death overs.

Tanzid Hasan Anchors the Chase

Bangladesh’s response was built around an impressive innings from Tanzid Hasan. The opener registered another half-century, reaching the milestone from 45 deliveries and recording the 13th fifty-plus score of his T20 career.

His knock placed him level with Shakib Al Hasan for the joint-most fifty-plus scores by a Bangladeshi player in T20 internationals. Partnerships with Parvez Hossain Emon and Towhid Hridoy ensured Bangladesh remained in control for most of the chase.

The match produced late drama when Brad Evans struck twice in the final over to revive Zimbabwe’s hopes. A controversial moment followed when an LBW appeal against Mehidy Hasan Miraz was ruled a dead ball, leading to discussions between players and umpires.

Bangladesh eventually ended the contest when a boundary reduced the target, sealing victory with two balls remaining and completing a successful comeback in the series.

While Bangladesh celebrated a morale-boosting T20I triumph, Zimbabwe will now turn its attention to the upcoming series against India, with middle-order inconsistency remaining a key concern.

Widely regarded as the greatest all-rounder the game has ever produced, Sobers redefined cricket with his remarkable versatility. He excelled as a left-handed batter, could bowl fast-medium pace as well as both orthodox and wrist spin, and was considered one of the finest fielders of his generation. His ability to influence matches in every department made him a benchmark for generations of all-rounders who followed.

Born in Bridgetown, Barbados, on July 28, 1936, Sobers made his Test debut for the West Indies at just 17 years of age in 1954. Over a career spanning two decades, he represented the Caribbean side in 93 Test matches, scoring 8,032 runs at an outstanding average of 57.78, including 26 centuries, while also claiming 235 wickets. His all-round statistics remain among the finest in the history of international cricket.

One of the defining moments of his career came in 1958, when he scored an unbeaten 365 against Pakistan in Kingston. The innings established a new world record for the highest individual Test score, a mark that stood for 36 years until fellow West Indies great Brian Lara surpassed it in 1994.

Sobers also etched his name into cricket folklore in 1968 when he became the first player to hit six consecutive sixes in a single over in first-class cricket. The feat, achieved while playing county cricket for Nottinghamshire, remains one of the sport's most celebrated milestones.

Beyond individual records, Sobers played a pivotal role in shaping the rise of West Indies cricket during an era that laid the foundation for the team's dominance in the decades that followed. He captained the West Indies in 39 Test matches and earned admiration not only for his talent but also for his fearless style of leadership.

The cricketing world responded swiftly following the announcement of his death. Cricket West Indies described Sobers as a symbol of Caribbean excellence, while ICC Chairman Jay Shah paid tribute to him as the greatest all-rounder in cricket history and one of the sport's finest ambassadors. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) also honoured the legendary cricketer, calling him "a true icon of the game."

Barbados declared a national day of mourning in honour of its most celebrated sporting hero. Authorities also announced that Sobers would be accorded a state funeral, recognising his immense contribution to both Barbadian society and world cricket. Knighted in 1975 for his services to the sport, he remained one of the Caribbean's most respected public figures long after his retirement.

Sobers' influence extended far beyond statistics. His name continues to live on through the prestigious Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy, awarded annually by the ICC to the men's Cricketer of the Year. For generations of aspiring cricketers, he represented the complete package—an elegant batter, a multi-dimensional bowler and an exceptional fielder capable of changing a match single-handedly.

His passing marks the end of an era for world cricket, but his legacy is expected to remain an enduring part of the game's history. From record-breaking innings to unforgettable all-round performances, Sir Garfield Sobers leaves behind a career that many still regard as the gold standard of cricketing greatness.

After being asked to bat first, West Indies appeared well placed at one stage but suffered a dramatic collapse. The hosts eventually finished on 140/9, losing six wickets for just 19 runs during the latter stages of the innings.

The collapse proved decisive as New Zealand chased down the target with relative comfort, reaching 141/4 and securing an important victory ahead of the final two matches.

West Indies' innings suffered an early setback when opener John Campbell was forced to retire hurt in the sixth over. While attempting a single, Campbell appeared to suffer a hamstring injury and had to leave the field with assistance, disrupting the home side's momentum.

Despite the setback, Casey Carty and Shimron Hetmyer rebuilt the innings impressively. The pair steadied the batting effort and guided West Indies to 121/3, putting the hosts in a strong position to post a competitive total.

However, the turning point arrived when New Zealand's spinners tightened their grip on the contest.

Captain Michael Bracewell first trapped Carty leg-before wicket, breaking a crucial partnership. In the following over, Hetmyer attempted to accelerate the scoring but was caught in the deep while trying to clear the boundary.

From that point onward, the innings unraveled rapidly.

Jaden Lennox once again emerged as New Zealand's standout bowler. The spinner, who had claimed a five-wicket haul in the previous match, followed it up with figures of 4/52. His spell dismantled the lower middle order and helped trigger the collapse that left West Indies well below a competitive score.

The performance also saw Lennox equal New Zealand's record for the most wickets by a spinner in a bilateral ODI series, underlining his growing importance in the team's bowling attack.

Chasing 141, New Zealand did not have everything their own way.

West Indies fought back with the ball and reduced the visitors to 77/3. Nineteen-year-old spinner Vitelle Lawrence impressed on ODI duty, removing Henry Nicholls with a delivery that shattered the stumps. Mark Chapman and Will Young also departed, giving the hosts a brief opportunity to push for an unlikely victory.

A key moment came when New Zealand required 33 more runs for victory. Dean Foxcroft was struck on the pads by Lawrence, but the on-field umpire ruled the delivery as runs rather than an LBW appeal. West Indies opted not to review the decision.

Television replays later suggested the ball would have gone on to hit the leg stump, meaning a successful DRS review could have given the hosts another breakthrough at a crucial stage.

Instead, New Zealand capitalised on the reprieve.

Captain Tom Latham anchored the chase with a composed unbeaten 51 off 53 deliveries. He found solid support from Dean Foxcroft as the pair added an unbroken 52-run partnership for the fifth wicket.

The duo absorbed the pressure effectively and ensured there were no further setbacks. A couple of loose deliveries from Lawrence helped ease the tension, and New Zealand eventually crossed the finish line without losing another wicket.

The victory gives New Zealand a commanding position in the series with two matches remaining. Another win in the fourth ODI would secure the series for the visitors.

For West Indies, the defeat will be particularly frustrating given their strong position at 121/3. The batting collapse exposed familiar issues in the middle and lower order, and the team now faces a must-win situation heading into the remaining games.

The final two ODIs will be played in Barbados, where West Indies must win both matches to keep their hopes of a series victory alive. New Zealand, meanwhile, will aim to maintain their momentum and seal the series at the earliest opportunity.

The 23-year-old finished with outstanding figures of 5 for 19, dismantling the West Indies middle and lower order after the home side had shown early promise. His spell triggered a dramatic collapse, turning what looked like a competitive innings into one of the team's lowest ODI totals in recent times.

After losing the opening ODI and falling behind in the series, New Zealand arrived under pressure. Their bowlers responded with discipline from the outset, restricting scoring opportunities and forcing the West Indies batters into mistakes. Lennox, introduced after the powerplay, made an immediate impact with his accuracy and variations, picking up wickets at regular intervals.

West Indies were unable to build meaningful partnerships as wickets continued to fall. The middle order failed to recover after the early breakthroughs, leaving the hosts with a modest target that was always likely to test only New Zealand's discipline rather than their batting strength.

The chase was not entirely straightforward. New Zealand lost a few wickets while pursuing the target, but experienced wicketkeeper-batter Tom Latham steadied the innings with a composed knock. He ensured there were no further setbacks as the visitors comfortably reached the target with 104 balls remaining, underlining the one-sided nature of the contest.

Lennox was deservedly named Player of the Match after registering the first five-wicket haul of his ODI career. The performance also strengthened his case for a regular place in New Zealand's white-ball bowling attack as the team continues to build depth ahead of upcoming international assignments.

The victory carries added significance for New Zealand after their disappointing performance in the opening match, where the West Indies secured a seven-wicket win to take an early lead in the series. The visitors have now restored parity, ensuring the remaining three matches will decide the outcome of the contest.

For the West Indies, the defeat exposed familiar batting concerns. Despite enjoying home conditions in Guyana, the batting unit struggled to rotate strike and counter disciplined spin bowling once the innings entered the middle overs. The collapse prevented the hosts from posting a competitive total and left their bowlers with very little to defend.

New Zealand, meanwhile, will take confidence from the all-round display. Their bowlers executed plans effectively, while the batting unit avoided unnecessary risks during the chase. Team management will hope the momentum generated from this convincing victory carries into the remaining fixtures as both sides battle for series supremacy.

With the series now locked at 1-1, attention shifts to the third ODI, where both teams will look to seize control. New Zealand will be eager to build on Lennox's breakthrough performance, while the West Indies will aim to regroup quickly and address the batting shortcomings that proved costly in Guyana.

The result marked an encouraging beginning for the Caribbean side after a mixed run in recent international fixtures. A disciplined bowling effort restricted New Zealand to a below-par total before the West Indies batters ensured there were no major hiccups during the chase.

New Zealand struggled to build partnerships after being asked to bat. Regular wickets prevented the visitors from gaining momentum, and despite a few useful contributions in the middle order, they failed to post a challenging score. West Indies bowlers maintained tight lines throughout the innings and capitalised on every opportunity offered by the New Zealand batting line-up.

One of the standout performers with the ball was left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie, who delivered a match-winning spell by claiming three wickets. His control through the middle overs slowed New Zealand's scoring rate and triggered a collapse that shifted the contest firmly in West Indies' favour. The support bowlers also chipped in with timely breakthroughs to ensure the visitors never recovered.

Chasing the target, West Indies approached the innings with patience rather than aggression. After losing an early wicket, the home side rebuilt steadily before accelerating when required. The middle order absorbed the pressure effectively, rotating the strike and punishing loose deliveries to keep the asking rate comfortably under control.

The partnership that followed proved decisive as the hosts moved closer to victory without allowing New Zealand a route back into the contest. Once the set batters found their rhythm, the outcome rarely appeared in doubt.

West Indies eventually crossed the finish line with seven wickets in hand and more than an over to spare, completing a comprehensive all-round performance. The victory reflected both disciplined bowling and a composed batting display, giving the home side valuable momentum early in the series.

For New Zealand, the defeat exposed concerns with their batting consistency. The visitors were unable to convert starts into substantial scores, and the lack of partnerships left their bowlers with too little to defend. They will now look to regroup quickly before the second ODI as they attempt to level the series.

The result is another positive sign for the West Indies as they continue rebuilding their white-ball squad ahead of upcoming ICC events. Winning the opening match at home also strengthens their chances of securing the ODI series before it reaches the decider.

Attention now shifts to the second ODI, where New Zealand face a must-win situation to stay alive in the contest, while West Indies will aim to seal the series with another strong performance.

The result handed the Caribbean side their first home Test series win in four years and their first Test series triumph since 2023, marking an important moment for a team that has struggled for consistency in the longer format in recent seasons.

Having crushed Sri Lanka by an innings and 217 runs in the opening Test, West Indies entered the final day of the second match in a commanding position. Sri Lanka resumed their second innings on 92/2 and adopted an aggressive approach in an attempt to force a result.

The visitors scored quickly during the morning session, adding runs at a brisk pace despite losing wickets regularly. Dinesh Chandimal led the charge with a fluent 71, while Kamindu Mendis also played positively as Sri Lanka pushed their total to 251/9 before declaring.

The declaration left West Indies with a target of 302 runs and limited time to chase victory.

Sri Lanka’s intent was evident throughout the opening session of the day. The visitors added 139 runs in 24 overs, but their attacking strategy also resulted in six wickets falling. Kamindu Mendis was dismissed by Jayden Seales, while captain Dhananjaya de Silva, Chandimal and Kusal Mendis all departed after getting starts. Sonal Dinusha was run out while attempting a second run.

With the match moving towards a draw, the focus shifted to how West Indies would respond to the target.

Openers John Campbell and Brandon King ensured there would be no late drama. The pair negotiated the Sri Lankan pace attack comfortably and handled left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya with patience. Their disciplined approach denied Sri Lanka any breakthrough during the chase.

By the tea interval, West Indies had moved to 65 without loss.

A brief rain interruption in the final session halted play for around 10 minutes, but conditions improved quickly enough for the match to resume. When play restarted, the hosts had advanced to 109 without losing a wicket.

With neither side in a realistic position to force a result, the captains eventually agreed to shake hands and settle for a draw, confirming West Indies as series winners.

Brandon King survived two significant LBW appeals during his innings. On the first occasion, a review showed the ball was passing over the stumps. The second appeal was turned down on umpire’s call, allowing the opener to continue his unbeaten stay at the crease.

While the second Test ended without a winner, the series belonged firmly to West Indies, largely due to their dominant display in the opening match and several standout individual performances.

Justin Greaves emerged as the leading figure of the series. The all-rounder was named both Player of the Match and Player of the Series after contributing a crucial 180 runs in West Indies’ first innings and also claiming a wicket. Across the series, Greaves scored 183 runs and picked up four wickets, underlining his growing importance to the team.

The series victory offers a timely boost for West Indies cricket as the team looks to rebuild its standing in Test cricket. Winning at home has been a challenge in recent years, and the result against Sri Lanka provides encouragement ahead of future assignments.

For Sri Lanka, the drawn Test showed resilience after the heavy defeat in the opener, but the visitors leave the Caribbean without a series win despite producing several competitive individual performances during the second match.