India, July 22 -- Having notched up a tense two-wicket victory in the fifth and final ODI against New Zealand at the Kensington Oval in Barbados, West Indies reduced the margin of defeat from 4-1 to 3-2. Nevertheless, with the 2027 World Cup only a little more than a year away, have the Caribbeans managed to save themselves from playing in the qualifiers?

Will the West Indies need to play the 2027 World Cup qualifiers?

The Caribbeans, who were notably winners of the first two editions, are almost certain to play the qualifiers as they are currently ranked 10th in the ICC ODI Men's Team rankings. Their fate was sealed following a one-wicket loss to the Kiwis in the fourth ODI. They had almost defended 188 but a fielding lapse when the Ki...