West Indies v New Zealand fifth ODI: Windies batters set for another struggle

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Tuesday 21 July, 19:30
TV: Sky Sports

West Indies v New Zealand fifth ODI team news

West Indies have lost the series so are playing for pride. The batting has been a major problem since taking a 1-0 lead. With all-out scores of 138, 140 and 188 they need to do something different.

That looks likely to be dropping Sherfane Rutherford, who has not managed a score of note. His spot is expected to go to Shimron Hetmyer. Brandon King could also be asked to open the batting with Ackeem Auguste missing out.

The bowling group has fought hard in difficult circumstances. Gudakesh Motie's five wickets in game four made for a close affair. They may need to add an extra spinner so a pacer could miss out.

Possible XI: King, Greaves, Carty, Hope, Jangoo, Hetmyer, Forde, Motie, Alzarri, Seales, Lawes

New Zealand have the luxury of being able to test bench strength in a dead rubber. One guaranteed team change is the absence of Daryl Mitchell, who has suffered a hip injury and is making his way home.

Mitchell's middle-order role could go to Mitchell Hay. There could be further changes with Nick Kelly, a top order batter, retaining his spot but asked to open. One of Will Young or Henry Nicholls could sit out. This would make room for a return for Dean Foxcroft. Kristian Clarke, the pacer, might come in for Jacob Duffy or Matt Fisher.

Possible XI: Young/Nicholls, Kelly, Chapman, Latham, Hay, Foxcroft, Bracewell, Santner, Smith, Lennox, Clarke

West Indies v New Zealand fifth ODI pitch report 

The trend for bowlers dominating in Bridgetown has continued. From the last 11 ODI the runs per over is comfortably below 4.8. Six of those first-innings have failed to bust 200 with the Windies rolled for 188.

The one surprise was that it was spin that did the damage instead of pace. There were five wickets for the Kiwi spinners and, of course, the five-for from Motie. Given what has happened in this series and in the previous matches at Kensington Oval, Sportsbook's unders quote of 225.5 runs in the match for West Indies is an obvious wager.

In-play, it is possible that New Zealand open up with pace and the hosts have the chance to make a fast start. But when the spinners come on to break a partnership, that is the time to short runs. There could be some very cheap lays available at 250, 260 on the Betfair Exchange.

West Indies v New Zealand fifth ODI match prediction

New Zealand have dominated since slipping up in game one. It was proof that they needed a game to get used to conditions and find their feet. Since then they have not looked back and have shown that this format is one for the favourites. The cream so often rises to the top in an ODI series.

The visitors are no better than 4/71.57 for another win with the Betfair Sportsbook. This is as one would expect. The only option for a wager on the mtch odds seems to be in-play. And it is related to the runs strategy as discussed.

If New Zealand were to bowl first, their price could drift on the exchange to close to the 1.758/11 mark with pace on. The Windies batters might be able to get off to a decent start. The time to back New Zealand would be with spin at both ends.

Alternatively, if New Zealand batted first and also found the pitch a struggle, one cannot rule out the Kiwis defending a low score at odds-against. Anything under 210 they would probably be outsiders.

West Indies v New Zealand fifth ODI player bets

There's an immediate angle on player of the match because Mitchell is listed as Sportsbook's favourite. But the next two in the betting make sense as bets at 9/110.00. Spin pair Mitch Santner and Michael Bracewell should be bang in the mix for decent hauls on a wicket which suits. They could also pick up some useful runs. If there is to be an upset, surely Windies spinner Vitel Lawes has a good game? It is fair to argue he has been underrated at 25/126.00.

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