The cricketing action kicks off as New Zealand face West Indies in the 1st T20I of their 2025 series at Eden Park, Auckland. With both teams featuring explosive batsmen and skillful bowlers, this match promises edge-of-the-seat entertainment.
Match Overview
New Zealand (NZ), captained by Kane Williamson, will be looking to dominate from the start. The team has a balanced combination of experienced players and young talents. Martin Guptill and Devon Conway will lead the batting charge, while Trent Boult and Ish Sodhi will be key bowlers for controlling the innings.
West Indies (WI), led by Nicholas Pooran, are known for their aggressive style in T20s. Shimron Hetmyer, Brandon King, and Kyle Mayers can change the course of the match with quick-fire innings. The bowling attack, anchored by Alzarri Joseph and Obed McCoy, will look to exploit any weaknesses in the Kiwi batting lineup.
Match Details
| Match | New Zealand vs West Indies, 1st T20I 2025 |
|---|---|
| Series | West Indies tour of New Zealand 2025 |
| Venue | Eden Park, Auckland |
| Date & Time | 5th November 2025, 6:15 AM IST |
| Live Streaming | FanCode & Sky Sports (region-dependent) |
Pitch Report – Eden Park, Auckland
The Eden Park pitch usually favors batsmen due to consistent bounce and pace. Fast bowlers will get some assistance early on, but spinners could play a crucial role in the middle overs. A total of 170–180 runs is competitive in the first innings, and chasing teams need to adjust carefully to the slightly slowing pitch under lights.
Head-to-Head: New Zealand vs West Indies in T20Is
| Matches Played | 25 |
|---|---|
| New Zealand Won | 15 |
| West Indies Won | 10 |
| No Result | 0 |
| Tied Matches | 0 |
Historically, New Zealand has the upper hand, but the explosive West Indies batting line-up makes this match highly unpredictable.
Squads
New Zealand (NZ): Kane Williamson (C), Martin Guptill, Devon Conway, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson, Adam Milne
West Indies (WI): Nicholas Pooran (C), Shimron Hetmyer, Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Jason Holder, Rovman Powell, Alzarri Joseph, Obed McCoy, Akeal Hosein, Hayden Walsh Jr., Keemo Paul
Key Players to Watch
- Kane Williamson (NZ): The captain’s calmness and consistency will be crucial in anchoring the innings.
- Shimron Hetmyer (WI): Known for his power-hitting, he can change the momentum in a few overs.
NZ vs WI 1st T20I Prediction
Based on current form, team combination, and home advantage, New Zealand looks slightly stronger. Their balanced batting and bowling attack gives them an edge. However, West Indies’ explosive hitters can turn the game anytime, making this match unpredictable. Fans can expect a high-scoring T20 thriller.
Likely Winner: New Zealand
Fantasy Cricket Tips
- Top Batsman: Kane Williamson / Shimron Hetmyer
- Top Bowler: Trent Boult / Alzarri Joseph
- X-Factor Player: Glenn Phillips
