The West Indies and New Zealand lock horns in an exhilarating ODI showdown at Hagley Oval, Christchurch on Saturday 23 December.
After an effortless victory in Whangarei, New Zealand are poised for a commanding series win, but the absence of two key players could spice things up.
Meanwhile, the West Indies are gearing up to keep their aggressive batting style alive and are counting on their bowlers to match up against a confident Kiwi batting line-up.
Meanwhile, the West Indies are gearing up to keep their aggressive batting style alive and are counting on their bowlers to match up against a confident Kiwi batting line-up.
Match Details:
New Zealand v West Indies | Saturday, 23 December | Hagley Oval, Christchurch | 0:00
New Zealand v West Indies | Saturday, 23 December | Hagley Oval, Christchurch | 0:00
Winning Odds
New Zealand 31/100 | Tie 35/1 | West Indies 5/2
New Zealand 31/100 | Tie 35/1 | West Indies 5/2
New Zealand
The Kiwis are a disciplined squad, focusing on getting the basics right first before adding some flair – a strategy that paid off handsomely in the opening match.
However, Doug Bracewell is questioning his fitness after a minor knee injury, and if sidelined, Adam Milne and Matt Henry stand ready to deliver.
Notably, the team knew from the outset they’d miss Kane Williamson and Tim Southee for the next two games, requiring strategic adjustments despite their modest performances so far.
George Worker showed plenty of promise as a top-order replacement, potentially pushing Colin Munro for a regular spot.
Historically, New Zealand have maintained an unbeaten ODI streak at Hagley Oval, balancing wins both when batting first and second, indicating the toss might be less crucial here.
The Kiwis are a disciplined squad, focusing on getting the basics right first before adding some flair – a strategy that paid off handsomely in the opening match.
However, Doug Bracewell is questioning his fitness after a minor knee injury, and if sidelined, Adam Milne and Matt Henry stand ready to deliver.
Notably, the team knew from the outset they’d miss Kane Williamson and Tim Southee for the next two games, requiring strategic adjustments despite their modest performances so far.
George Worker showed plenty of promise as a top-order replacement, potentially pushing Colin Munro for a regular spot.
Historically, New Zealand have maintained an unbeaten ODI streak at Hagley Oval, balancing wins both when batting first and second, indicating the toss might be less crucial here.
West Indies
The Windies struggled to maintain their aggressive chase in Whangarei, signalling the need for a steadier approach in this format.
Youngsters Shimron Hetmyer and Rovman Powell showed resilience under pressure but will need to step up further, especially if Chris Gayle, battling illness, misses out.
Their middle order faces the challenge of countering a well-rounded Kiwi attack, from leg-spinner Todd Astle to the pace threat of Lockie Ferguson.
Without a bilateral ODI series win in New Zealand for over 20 years, the West Indies are desperate to avoid another loss ahead of their upcoming T20I matches.
While they’ve previously triumphed at this venue against Pakistan, replicating that success against New Zealand remains a tough task.
The Windies struggled to maintain their aggressive chase in Whangarei, signalling the need for a steadier approach in this format.
Youngsters Shimron Hetmyer and Rovman Powell showed resilience under pressure but will need to step up further, especially if Chris Gayle, battling illness, misses out.
Their middle order faces the challenge of countering a well-rounded Kiwi attack, from leg-spinner Todd Astle to the pace threat of Lockie Ferguson.
Without a bilateral ODI series win in New Zealand for over 20 years, the West Indies are desperate to avoid another loss ahead of their upcoming T20I matches.
While they’ve previously triumphed at this venue against Pakistan, replicating that success against New Zealand remains a tough task.
Verdict: New Zealand 31/100
Despite the stand-in captain Tom Latham and Tim Southee’s absence, New Zealand are favorites to clinch the series, especially if star hitter Chris Gayle is sidelined.
Expect the home team to seal victory and strengthen their ODI dominance.
Despite the stand-in captain Tom Latham and Tim Southee’s absence, New Zealand are favorites to clinch the series, especially if star hitter Chris Gayle is sidelined.
Expect the home team to seal victory and strengthen their ODI dominance.
