Santner's calm under fire lifts New Zealand to series victory despite Motie's five-for

Gudakesh Motie delivered the finest one-day bowling performance of his international career and brought West Indies within touching distance of a remarkable victory, but Mitchell Santner's composure under immense pressure ultimately guided New Zealand to a dramatic one-wicket win on Sunday at Kensington Oval.

The New Zealand captain produced an unbeaten 34 that proved far more valuable than its modest appearance suggested, expertly shepherding the tail as the visitors edged to 189-9 in 44.1 overs to chase down West Indies' total of 188.

The thrilling victory handed New Zealand an unassailable 3-1 lead in the five-match ODI series with one match still to play on Tuesday.

Sobers tribute nearly inspires Windies

The 50th One-Day International staged at Kensington Oval began on an emotional note as players and spectators paid tribute to the legendary Sir Garfield Sobers, who passed away on Friday.

Inspired by the memory of the man many regard as cricket's greatest all-rounder, Shai Hope's team fought relentlessly and came within a single catch of producing an unforgettable victory dedicated to the Barbadian icon.

Instead, one missed opportunity proved decisive.

Defending a modest target, West Indies struck almost immediately.

Matthew Forde dismissed Henry Nicholls for a duck when the opener edged behind from the fourth ball of the innings before returning in his next over to produce a superb return catch that removed Nick Kelly for three.

New Zealand suddenly found themselves reeling at 6-2, giving the home crowd hope that an upset was possible.

Will Young and Mark Chapman steadied the innings with a 40-run partnership before Jayden Seales produced a superb delivery that forced Young into edging behind.

When Motie entered the attack, the pressure intensified.

Motie spins match on its head

The left-arm spinner immediately made his presence felt by dismissing Tom Latham, whose attempted pull off a full toss landed safely in Justin Greaves' hands at midwicket.

Although Chapman and Michael Bracewell responded with a composed 65-run partnership, seemingly steering New Zealand toward a comfortable victory, Motie refused to allow the match to drift away.

He first broke the stand when Sherfane Rutherford completed a spectacular diving catch at deep backward square to remove Chapman for an outstanding 80 from 82 balls.

Following a brief 25-minute rain delay, Motie struck again by bowling Bracewell for 32 before continuing his remarkable spell.

Nathan Smith fell to Alzarri Joseph, after which Motie tore through the lower order by shattering the stumps of Jacob Duffy and Matthew Fisher in quick succession.

His maiden ODI five-wicket haul left New Zealand tottering at 180-9, just nine runs away from victory but with only one wicket remaining.

Motie finished with superb figures of 5-47, while Forde provided excellent support with 2-44.

Santner keeps his nerve

With victory within sight for West Indies, Santner calmly assumed control.

The New Zealand captain expertly shielded last man Jayden Lennox while steadily chipping away at the remaining target.

His defining moment, however, came with New Zealand still requiring three runs.

Attempting to drive Seales through the covers, Santner instead lofted the ball into the air, presenting what appeared to be a straightforward catching opportunity.

But Justin Greaves and Ackeem Auguste collided as they converged beneath the chance, allowing the ball to fall safely.

The reprieve proved fatal.

Santner and Lennox scampered two runs from the dropped chance before calmly completing the chase to secure one of New Zealand's most dramatic victories of the series.

Santner's unbeaten innings earned him the Player-of-the-Match award.

Jangoo and Motie rescue fragile batting display

Earlier, West Indies' batting once again failed to provide the platform their bowlers deserved.

Asked to bat first for the third straight match, the hosts stumbled from 54-1 to 81-6, continuing the batting struggles that have plagued the series.

Amir Jangoo and Motie prevented a complete collapse with an invaluable 81-run partnership for the seventh wicket.

Jangoo anchored the recovery with 51 from 73 balls, while Motie added an enterprising 41 from 56 deliveries, giving the bowlers something to defend.

Matthew Fisher eventually broke the stand by having Motie caught behind before also removing Jangoo.

West Indies then lost their final four wickets for just 26 runs, finishing on 188 after another disappointing batting effort.

Fisher led New Zealand's attack with 3-40, while Bracewell claimed 2-35 and Santner chipped in with 2-36.

Series decided, questions remain

Although the result secured the series for New Zealand, it also underscored the contrasting fortunes of the two sides.

The visitors once again demonstrated the resilience required to prevail in tense finishes, while West Indies were left to reflect on another contest in which outstanding bowling and spirited fielding were undermined by an inadequate batting performance.

For one unforgettable spell, Motie had dragged his team to the brink of a stirring victory worthy of Sir Garfield Sobers' memory.

In the end, however, Santner's calm leadership and one costly missed catch ensured the celebrations belonged to New Zealand.