New Zealand
West Indies
New Zealand will come into the 2nd ODI with a 1-0 lead and a chance to seal the series at McLean Park. They will feel confident after defending 269 runs in the first match and winning by 7 runs. Their current ODI form will give them a strong base, as they will enter this game on a five-match winning streak. They have been consistent with both bat and ball in recent months.
West Indies will try to level the series, but their recent run of 2 wins and 3 losses will put pressure on their lineup. They will need stronger partnerships to challenge New Zealand in these conditions.
The head-to-head numbers will also favour the hosts. New Zealand have won 4 of the last 5 ODIs against West Indies, including 3 successful defences. With home advantage and stronger recent form, New Zealand will start slightly ahead in this contest.
New Zealand’s openers will find it more comfortable handling the early swing in Napier, giving them a better chance of producing the highest opening partnership stand against the West Indies.
The betting tip is...
Highest Opening Partnership - New Zealand
61 %
39 %
New ZealandWest IndiesNew Zealand will rely on another strong batting display after posting 269-7 in the first ODI. Daryl Mitchell is a key player after scoring 119 off 118 balls, but faced a groin strain, while Devon Conway will look to build on his 49 from 58. Michael Bracewell’s 35 from 52 balls and Zakary Foulkes’ quick 22 from 16 will continue to add depth in the lower order.
Rachin Ravindra will be expected to contribute again, with 5 hundreds and 5 fifties in 33 ODI innings. Will Young, who averages 49 in New Zealand, will strengthen the middle order alongside Tom Latham.
In the bowling unit, Kyle Jamieson will lead after taking 3 for 52, while Mitchell Santner and Matt Henry will aim to control the middle overs. Zakary Foulkes’ pace and Jacob Duffy’s control will add further balance.
Conway, Ravindra and Mitchell are the key batters.
Predicted Lineup: Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Will Young, Daryl Mitchel/Henry Nicholls, Tom Latham (wk), Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Zakary Foulkes, Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy.
West Indies will enter this match knowing they competed well in the first ODI but fell short in key moments. Sherfane Rutherford will be a major factor again after scoring 55 from 61 balls, while Shai Hope and Justin Greaves will aim to convert their starts after reaching the thirties. Their top and middle order will have enough depth to challenge New Zealand if they build partnerships early.
Shai Hope, Keacy Carty and Sherfane Rutherford will be the main momentum changers, as each of them can shift gears once set. Roston Chase will add stability in the middle overs, offering important runs and balance.
With the ball, Jayden Seales will lead the attack after taking 3 for 41 and extending his tally to 21 wickets in his last eight matches. Matthew Forde will continue to look for breakthroughs, while Roston Chase and Shamar Springer will provide control with their variations.
Hope, Rutherford and Carty are the key batters.
Predicted Lineup: John Campbell, Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty, Shai Hope (c & wk), Sherfane Rutherford, Roston Chase, Justin Greaves, Romario Shepherd, Matthew Forde, Shamar Springer, Jayden Seales.
New Zealand will start this match with an edge because their top order will handle the windy Napier conditions better than the West Indies. Their openers will be more stable at the start, as they are used to playing on these surfaces and judging movement early in the innings.
On the other hand, the West Indies will face the same challenges they struggled with in the first ODI. Their openers found it hard to settle and could not find a partnership when the ball moved around. With more venue familiarity, New Zealand’s opening pair will give them the early advantage in this match.
