With the games coming thick and fast, the unbeaten West Indies juggernaut clashes with a wounded New Zealand side in a highly anticipated Group C encounter at the Brian Lara Stadium, Tarouba, Trinidad. The Windies, under the leadership of Rovman Powell, have dominated the group stage so far with convincing wins, while New Zealand will be desperate to bounce back after a humiliating defeat against Afghanistan in their opening match.
West Indies vs New Zealand Head-to-Head
Historically, New Zealand boast a superior head-to-head record over the two-time T20 champions. Out of the 19 T20 encounters between these two, the Kiwis have won 10 while the Caribbean have clinched only 4 of those. Interestingly, there has been only one match between these two that came in a T20 World Cup. That game was in 2012 in Pallekele, where the rain ended the game with a no-result.
West Indies vs New Zealand Team News
The Windies are enjoying a clean bill of health and high morale. Openers Brandon King and Johnson Charles are due for big scores, while the middle order boasts the power-hitting likes of Powell, Rutherford, Pooran and Russell. The bowling attack, spearheaded by the crafty Akeal Hosein and the pace of Alzarri Joseph, has been clinical so far.
New Zealand, on the other hand, will be looking to address their batting woes. Senior players like Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell need to find form quickly. It was their fielding as well that let the entire team down. Williamson could think to bring in Ish Sodhi as well.
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West Indies vs New Zealand Pitch Report
This will be the first game at the Brian Lara Stadium, that is known to be a batting paradise. It’s a flat track with short boundaries, which is likely to favor batsmen who can clear the ropes consistently. However, spinners can also find some assistance later in the innings. The average first-innings score after 4 T20 international is 185.
West Indies vs New Zealand Weather Report
Sunny skies and dry conditions are expected for the match day in Trinidad. There is minimal chance of rain (5%), and the hot and humid Caribbean weather might favor teams batting first and setting a big total. The match will begin at 8:30 pm local.
West Indies vs New Zealand Predicted XI
West Indies predicted XI
Brandon King, Johnson Charles, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Roston Chase, Rovman Powell (capt), Sherfane Rutherford, Andre Russell, Romario Shepherd, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Gudakesh Motie
New Zealand predicted XI
Finn Allen, Devon Conway (wk), Kane Williamson (capt), Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, James Neesham, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult
