DUNEDIN, New Zealand, (CMC) — The West Indies’ Twenty20 International (T20I) series against New Zealand ended in a dispiriting whimper on Thursday as the hosts saved their most inept performance for the decisive fifth match, slumping to an eight-wicket defeat that handed the series to the Black Caps on a platter.

The loss laid bare the recurring flaws that have plagued the Caribbean side throughout the contest, with a top-order collapse proving terminal.

For the fourth time in the series the Windies’ top order failed to fire to see them eventually dismissed for 140 in 18.4 overs after they were sent in to bat at University Oval.

The home side then made light work of the target, with Devon Conway scoring an unbeaten 47 off 42 balls, while fellow opener Tim Robinson smashed 45 from 24 balls as they cruised to 141 for two 1n 15.4 overs.

It brought an anticlimactic end to a series that was marked by three thrilling finishes and a rained-out contest and gave New Zealand an emphatic 3-1 series win.

In the aftermath, Captain Shai Hope pinpointed his team’s chronic inability to adapt as the primary cause of their downfall.

“The power play has been our Achilles heel for this series,” Hope stated. “Unfortunately, as batters, we did not assess and adapt as quickly as we should have, or wanted to.”

The skipper acknowledged the valiant efforts of the lower-order batsmen, who have repeatedly been left with a mountain to climb.

“Credit still must be given to the guys in the lower half for putting their hands up. We may have given them a bit too much work to do in the back end, but, where the batting is concerned, it’s certainly an area that we need to improve quickly, going into this ODI series as well.”

Hope emphasised that the solution isn’t about reckless aggression, but smarter, more assertive batting to disrupt the bowlers.

He elaborated on the need to apply counter-pressure, a skill his team has lacked.

“A lot of times we find ourselves in tough situations — two, three, four down sometimes in the power play when guys are hitting the straps. So we have to find ways to stop them from getting into rhythm, not necessarily forcing the issue, but not making it easy for them to settle.”

Amid the criticism of the batting unit, Hope was effusive in his praise for one standout performer, all-rounder Romario Shepherd. Hailing the player’s work ethic and growing consistency, Hope painted a picture of a player coming into his own.

“Sheppy, he’s always been a hard worker, someone who’s very detailed in his preparation. He does a lot of research, and it’s great to see that his success is coming more consistently.”

The captain highlighted Shepherd’s crucial impact with the ball, particularly in the team’s solitary series victory.

“He’s been really good with the ball, coming and picking up some very crucial wickets at some crucial stages in the back end. In the first game that we won, he defended that last over as well.”

As the team now turns its attention to the upcoming ODI series, the captain’s message is clear: The learning period is over, and the fixes must be immediate.