Can the West Indies turn around what has been a disappointing tour of New Zealand so far with a win in the exciting intermediate format of the game?
The Black Caps have shown their dominance over the West Indies in the two-match Test series this month, but the ODI format presents a different challenge that might test their mettle more.
The Windies have historically been stronger in limited-overs cricket compared to Tests, yet they haven’t clinched a bilateral ODI series in New Zealand for over 20 years.
New Zealand v West Indies | Wednesday, 20 December | Cobham Oval, Whangarei | 0:00
To Win Match
New Zealand 47/100 | Tie 35/1 | West Indies 7/4
New Zealand
Kane Williamson and Tim Southee have been named for the first ODI but won’t be featuring in the subsequent two games. This could affect team stability, but squad rotation is typical in ODIs.
Lockie Ferguson and Todd Astle have been recalled to the squad, with Ish Sodhi left out, and Martin Guptill is still out due to a groin injury. George Worker is stepping in as opener in Guptill’s absence, and Tom Latham may take on captaincy duties from Williamson from the start of this series.
Ferguson’s raw pace and swing will surely keep the Windies on their toes. His bowling could either unsettle the batsmen leading to wickets or leak runs with boundaries during the powerplay — either way, it promises thrilling cricket for fans.
Before their series clash with India in October, New Zealand hadn’t played an ODI since the Champions Trophy in June. But they’ve managed to keep sharp, reflected by their consistent fifth place on the ICC ODI rankings.
The Kiwis last played at Cobham Oval in an ODI back in 2012 where only Williamson, Latham, and Southee remain from that side. Back then, Williamson had a low score, Southee was expensive, and Latham calmly scored an almost fifty.
West Indies
The ODI format requires a bit more patience and strategy than T20s, which suits the Windies better compared to Tests. However, they need to strike the right balance — they can’t approach this like a T20 match with just flurries of big-hitting.
Shannon Gabriel and Nikita Miller return to the side, complemented by the uncapped Ronsford Beaton, strengthening a pace attack missing Jerome Taylor and Miguel Cummins.
With Devendra Bishoo excluded, much responsibility falls on the experienced spinner Miller, who is making his comeback after two years away from international cricket.
Of course, the spotlight will shine on Chris Gayle. Having slammed two massive centuries recently in the Bangladesh Premier League, expect the Universe Boss to light up Whangarei with fireworks.
The potential showdown between Gayle and Colin de Grandhomme would have been a major highlight, but de Grandhomme has unfortunately withdrawn due to a family bereavement. So all eyes are now on the clash between Gayle and Trent Boult.
Verdict: New Zealand 47/100
The tourists struggled in their warm-up clash against a New Zealand XI last week, and it seems unlikely they will overcome those issues by Wednesday.
