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West Indies
New Zealand
The 5-match ODI series between West Indies and New Zealand will begin with the first match at Providence Stadium in Guyana. New Zealand will start as slight favourites based on recent results, but West Indies will have the advantage of playing at home.
West Indies will be led by Shai Hope, while Mitchell Santner will captain New Zealand. Both teams will feature a few new faces, making this series an important opportunity for players to establish themselves in ODI cricket. New Zealand will also carry a strong record into this contest.
They will have won each of the last 5 ODI meetings against West Indies, including 3 victories while chasing and 2 times while defending a total. West Indies will aim to improve that record with home conditions on their side, while New Zealand will look to continue their winning run in this rivalry.
New Zealand's batting has been more consistent in recent ODI meetings against West Indies, producing the highest run-scorer in 3 of the last 5 matches, making them the stronger side to deliver the top batter again
The betting tip is...
Top Batterβs Team - New Zealand
57 %
43 %
West Indies made a few changes to their squad for the opening three ODIs against New Zealand. 19-year-old left-arm wrist-spinner Vitel Lawes earned his first call-up despite not having played a professional match. He had taken 10 wickets at an average of 22.70 during the Under-19 World Cup and had trained with the senior squad before the home season.
Former West Indies spinner Nikita Miller joined the support staff to help Lawes settle into the squad. Shimron Hetmyer will miss the start of the series after receiving permission to continue playing for Seattle Orcas in Major League Cricket. All-rounder Shamar Springer withdrew from the squad following the death of his mother. Keemo Paul replaced Springer in the squad for the series.
Hope, Carty and Alzarri Joseph are the key players in the team.
Predicted Lineup: Shai Hope (c, wk), Alick Athanaze, John Campbell, Keacy Carty, Sherfane Rutherford, Roston Chase, Justin Greaves, Matthew Forde, Alzarri Joseph, Gudakesh Motie and Shamar Joseph.
New Zealand have a few changes ahead of the ODI series against West Indies. Devon Conway missed the tour after the birth of his second child, while Rachin Ravindra is away due to a pre-agreed commitment with Major League Cricket. Mitchell Hay returned as the second wicketkeeper behind Tom Latham.
Mitchell Santner returned to lead the ODI side after missing the Bangladesh series because of IPL commitments. Tom Latham had captained New Zealand during that 2-1 series defeat. Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Michael Bracewell and Jacob Duffy also returned to the ODI squad.
Duffy had missed the recent Test series in England while on paternity leave. Fast bowler Matthew Fisher earned his maiden ODI call-up and remained in line for his international debut. The selectors also used this series to start building their plans for next year's ODI World Cup.
Mitchell, Latham and Santner are the key players in the team.
Predicted Lineup: Will Young, Nick Kelly, Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Tom Latham (wk), Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Jacob Duffy, Matthew Fisher and Ben Lister.
New Zealand will start this match as the stronger side because of their deeper batting line-up and balanced bowling attack. Their recent record against West Indies will also give them confidence, having won each of the last 5 ODI meetings. New Zealand's batting has been very reliable in this rivalry, producing the highest run-scorer in 3 of those 5 matches.
West Indies will compete well in home conditions and should put up a better batting display, but New Zealand's experienced middle order is likely to make the bigger impact. If their top-order gets a solid start, New Zealand will have a strong chance of posting or chasing a match-winning total and taking a 1-0 lead in the series.
