New Zealand vs West Indies 1st T20I 2025: Match Preview and Squad Analysis

The T20I series between New Zealand and West Indies promises to be an electrifying contest. Both teams are packed with renowned T20 stars, meaning that fans can expect plenty of thrilling matchups throughout the series. New Zealand would be feeling a bit confident, as they are playing the series on their home turf. However, their recent form in T20Is is not very good, as the team is currently facing a slight transition period.

On the other hand, West Indies are coming into the series on the back of a strong performance against Bangladesh. They whitewashed the Tigers on their home turf by a big margin of 3-0. This score line has boosted the confidence of WI players, as now they are eyeing another strong performance on the shores of New Zealand.

The 1st T20I between New Zealand and West Indies will be played in Auckland on November 5. It is expected to be a run-fest in which both teams will try to score more than 200 runs in the first innings of the match. The hard-hitters of West Indies can give plenty of surprises to the home team in the 1st T20I, as the short boundaries of Eden Park perfectly suit their batting style.

In this article, we will analyze the squads of both teams. This will let us know how each team will prepare for the upcoming match, which is expected to be dominated by batters.

New Zealand Squad Analysis for 1st T20I at Auckland

New Zealand lost the home T20I series against England back in October. It was a setback for them because their home record in T20Is is generally very good. Now, they are up against another team that is equally good as England in the T20I format. To beat them, New Zealand will rely on their batting depth, as players like Daryl Mitchell and Rachin Ravindra will form the base of Kiwi batting.

As far as bowling is concerned, New Zealand have a very potent attack. They could feature Kyle Jamieson and Jacob Duffy in the 1st T20I against West Indies. Both of these bowlers have the advantage of big height, so taking them on could prove to be a huge challenge for West Indies.

West Indies Squad Analysis for 1st T20I at Auckland

West Indies are coming into this contest on the back of a strong performance in Bangladesh T20Is. They will try to carry their winning momentum in the 1st T20I at Auckland. However, playing Black Caps is a completely different challenge. 

The batting duo of the West Indies, Shai Hope and Brandon King, will need to play strong knocks in the series opener. Alongside them, Rovman Powell will be equally important, as his batting in the middle order could give the visitors an opportunity to post a big total.

Probable Playing XI for New Zealand in the 1st T20I

Devon Conway (wk), Tim Robinson, Rachin Ravindra, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner (c), Kyle Jamieson, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes

Probable Playing XI for West Indies in the 1st T20I

Brandon King, Alick Athanaze, Shai Hope (c & wk), Sherfane Rutherford, Roston Chase, Rovman Powell, Jason Holder, Romario Shepherd, Akeal Hosein, Khary Pierre, Jayden Seales

Final Words

The upcoming match between New Zealand and West Indies will be a high-scoring game. The home team currently holds a slight advantage, as they have a good T20I record in Auckland. However, the young guns of West Indies can spring a few surprises, as they are a side known for their unpredictability. It would therefore be a good contest to watch, in which both teams will rely on their batting power.