West Indies begin a three-match home T20I series against New Zealand on Wednesday in Jamaica, after hosting Bangladesh and India earlier this summer. The West Indies were defeated 4-1 by India earlier this month, while New Zealand defeated the Netherlands 2-0. Continue reading for a preview of this match. The first game of the series begins at 13:30 p.m. at Sabina Park.
The West Indies were good but not at their best against India, and they should not expect New Zealand to be any easier. The hosts must improve in all areas of their game.
New Zealand performed admirably in their games against Ireland, Scotland, and the Netherlands. However, they now have their full team available, and we anticipate that their performances will improve.
West Indies vs New Zealand
Match Details to Note
Match: West Indies vs New Zealand, 1st T20I, New Zealand Tour of West Indies 2022
Date: August 11, 2022 (Thursday)
Time: 12:00 AM IST
Venue: Sabina Park, Kingston, Jamaica
West Indies Team News:
The hosts will be relieved to face a new opponent after being thrashed by India in three ODIs and five T20Is. There are no injuries in the squad, but we expect Romario Shepherd to be called up after missing all three games against India.
West Indies Squad
Kyle Mayers, Shamarh Brooks, Jason Holder, Nicholas Pooran (c & wk), Rovman Powell, Shimron Hetmyer, Akeal Hosein, Odean Smith, Keemo Paul, Alzarri Joseph, Obed McCoy, Hayden Walsh, Devon Thomas, Brandon King, Romario Shepherd, Dominic Drakes
Players to watch out for:
Nicholas Pooran
The 26-year-old skipper did not score more than 30 runs in the T20I series against India, but he played aggressively throughout. We believe he is not far from a big score.
Rovman Powell
The vice-captain is a gifted player who has the highest score for his country in this format in 2022. He will make a significant contribution if he can stay at the crease for more than four overs.
Obed McCoy
In the series against India, the tall left-arm pace bowler posted the best figures for a West Indian in this format. When he’s on song, he generates a lot of bounce.
Possible Playing XI:
Shamarh Brooks, Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Nicholas Pooran (c & wk), Kyle Mayers, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Odean Smith, Keemo Paul, Alzarri Joseph, Obed McCoy
West Indies Team Form
The West Indies were soundly defeated by India in their five-match Twenty20 International series. With the exception of one game, they were outplayed with the bat and ball.
New Zealand Team News:
New Zealand welcomes back skipper Kane Williamson, Devon Conway, Tim Southee, and Trent Boult after touring Ireland, Scotland, and the Netherlands without some of their top players. They will be looking to gain some momentum ahead of the T20 World Cup with this series.
New Zealand Squad
Kane Williamson (c), Finn Allen, Trent Boult, Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Daryl Mitchell
Players to watch out for:
Martin Guptill
The experienced opener has scored in the 40s in this format against Scotland and the Netherlands, but he needs a big knock to secure his place ahead of the World Cup.
Kane Williamson
The skipper is a commanding presence on the field and makes a significant difference at the crease. In this format, he has 14 half-centuries.
Trent Boult
The left-arm quick bowler is one of the world’s best multi-format bowlers. In recent years, he has added unconventional but effective lower order hitting to his repertoire.
Possible Playing XI:
Martin Guptill, Finn Allen, Kane Williamson (c), Devon Conway (wk), Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Ish Sodhi
New Zealand Team Form
The Black Caps have won their last seven T20I matches. Since November 2021, they have not lost a game in this format.
West Indies vs New Zealand Top Team Batsmen
Shamarh Brooks, Nicholas Pooran, and Kyle Mayers are our picks for West Indies’ leading run scorers. In the series against India, Mayers hit 73, his highest score in this format.
Martin Guptill, Devon Conway, and Kane Williamson are expected to be New Zealand’s top batters. Conway’s T20I average was 50.16.
West Indies vs New Zealand Top Team Bowlers
West Indies batsmen to watch: Obed McCoy, Alzarri Joseph, and Akeal Hosein. Joseph made his debut in this format against India, taking five wickets over the course of the series.
Trent Boult, Ish Sodhi, and Tim Southee are our picks to be New Zealand’s top bowlers. In this format, Southee has 111 wickets.
West Indies vs New Zealand Head to Head
West Indies and New Zealand have tied three games in 16 matches in this format. They tied their first two games and, at one point, three of their six T20Is.
West Indies vs New Zealand Head to Head Stats in T20I
| Matches Played | WI Won | NZ Won | Tie | NR | |
| Overall | 16 | 3 | 8 | 3 | 2 |
| Last 5 | 5 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 2 |
West Indies vs New Zealand Toss Prediction
Early in the match, the weather appears to be more conducive to bowling. Both captains are expected to choose to field first.
West Indies vs New Zealand Pitch Report
Although the pitch is not as hard and bouncy as it was in the 1980s and 1990s, pace bowlers can still generate good speed and carry.
Thunderstorms are possible in the early stages of this game, but it will be hot and humid from start to finish.
West Indies vs New Zealand Prediction
Both teams are looking forward to this match. The West Indies struggled against India and will benefit from new opponents, whereas New Zealand has been playing against teams at the lower levels in recent weeks. We anticipate a competitive match, with New Zealand taking the victory.
