The Black Caps extended their recent winning streak over the men in maroon with an easy victory in the first T20I. They are now poised to seal the series win at Mount Maunganui and eye another clean sweep at the same ground in just 48 hours.
The West Indies team is closing out a challenging tour marked by several defeats in Test and ODI formats and will be eager to kick off the new year on a positive note.
New Zealand v West Indies
Monday, 1 January
Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui
08:00
Match Winner Odds
New Zealand 9/20 | Tie 35/1 | West Indies 7/4
New Zealand
The Kiwis’ strategy of trying new combinations paid off well in Nelson. Tim Southee led the side as captain, while emerging talents Glenn Phillips (batting) and Seth Rance (bowling) made valuable contributions.
Phillips will once again aim to impress for an ODI selection in the absence of Tom Latham. Rance will focus on proving his mettle in New Zealand’s deep pool of seam bowlers.
Kane Williamson returns to captain the side, with Ross Taylor rested for the remainder of the series. If Martin Guptill struggles at the top, the relatively inexperienced middle order could face significant pressure.
Trent Boult’s rest means the bowling attack will be tested further. Meanwhile, Southee can relinquish captaincy to focus fully on his key role with the ball.
Notably, New Zealand have an unbeaten record in T20Is at this Monday’s venue, having always batted first. Williamson is likely to opt to bowl first if they win the toss to test various match scenarios during their ongoing preparations.
West Indies
Without key players Darren Sammy, Marlon Samuels, and Dwayne Bravo, the West Indies squad falls short of its formidable potential as two-time World T20 champions.
Chris Gayle has underperformed despite a strong Bangladesh Premier League season, and Ronsford Beaton’s departure due to bowling action issues hasn’t helped the cause.
Despite these setbacks, the tourists must find their rhythm in New Zealand to start 2018 on a stronger note.
The addition of veteran seamer Rayad Emrit (age 36) might be the only new option for the visitors. Trust in the current playing XI to turn the tide will be crucial.
Improvement in fielding discipline and batsmen occupying the crease for longer innings (ideally 50+ balls) will be essential to post a competitive total.
Final Call: West Indies 7/4
While the Windies have earned wins against New Zealand in the Caribbean and USA, they have yet to break the Kiwi stronghold on home soil in T20Is. However, all signs point to them ending that drought on Monday.
