New Zealand vs West Indies 1st Test, Match Prediction, Preview, Players to Watch Out

The three matches test series of New Zealand vs West Indies starting at Hagely Oval in Chirstchurch on 2 December, this match marks the beginning of New Zealand new ICC World Test Championship cycle, New Zealand dominating at home for many years while West Indies still find to rhythm and first test won in WTC cycle 2025-2027.The West Indies have not won a Test in New Zealand since 1995.

The return of Kane Williamson is a massive boost. His Test average of 54.88 in 105 matches explains. His calm presence and ability to build long innings strengthen the batting lineup. Tom Latham leads the side and has a brilliant record at Hagely Oval, where he has scored 1130 runs more than any other player at the venue. Will Young, Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, and Rachin Ravindra add depth and consistency.

Matt Henry, Zakary Foulkes, Jacob Duffy and Nathan Ellis featuring in pace attack , While Rachin Ravindra , Mitchell Santner or Micheal Bracewell provide spin bowling option with their all round ability.

On the other hand West Indies, came in this series after back to back white wash against Australia (3-0) and India (2-0), Roston Chase, the new captain, will look to inspire his side with both bat and off-spin. The opening pair of Tagenarine Chanderpaul and John Campbell must handle the early swing from New Zealand fast bowlers ,Shai Hope now will play a crucial role in the middle order, in challenging conditions, but he must turn his starts into big scores.

In the bowling department, Kemar Roach return is a major positive Massive boast in bowling department ,Jayden Seales, Anderson phillip who support him in pace attack. While Roston Chase, J and Justin Greaves  bring spin option with his all round ability.

New Zealand vs West Indies Head to Head Records 

Total Matches Played : 49

New Zealand won : 17

West Indies won : 13

Drawn : 19

Pitch Report 

The Hagely Oval pitch usually has a thick grass cover, giving fast bowlers plenty of help from the start. Seamers can expect good pace, bounce, and sideways movement, especially in the first two days with the new ball. As the match progresses into Day 3, the surface becomes flatter and better for batting. In 16 matches , batting second have won 10 games while 4 time batting second won . Team winning the toss and preferred to  bowl first.

Probable playing XIs 

New Zealand

Tom Latham (c), Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, kane Williamson, Dryal Mitchell, Tom Blundell(wk), Mitchell Santner, Nathan Smith, Mat Henry, Zakary Foulkes, Jacob Duffy

West Indies

John Campbell, Tagenarine chanderpaul, Alick Athanaze, Shai Hope , Roston Chase(c), Tevin Imlach(wk), Justin Greaves, Anderson phillip, Johan Layne, kemar Roach

Players to watch out 

Kane Williamson : his return adds immense stability to the lineup, Known for his calmness under pressure and remarkable consistency, His record against the West Indies is equally outstanding, with 970 runs in 10 Tests at an impressive average of 60.62

Mat Henry :  he has taken 36 wickets in 7 Tests at an average of 23.91, including his best-ever figures of 7/23 at Hagely Oval , he will play important role for the team.

Shai Hope : he is the most experience batter and ability to anchor and provide stability in middle order,In 2025, he has been the Windies top scorer with 279 runs at an average of 27.90 , that’s why he will crucial for West Indies team especially in this New Zealand condition .

Jayden Seales :  will also play a crucial role. With 52 wickets in 24 Test innings at an average of 23.5, he leads the attack with skill and maturity and he challenge New zealand batters.

Match Prediction 

The BlackCaps are the overwhelming favorites for the 1st Test at Hagley Oval. The pitch perfectly suits their pace battery, led by the in-form Matt Henry, which is expected to exploit the seam and swing conditions fiercely. The return of batting star Kane Williamson further solidifies a superior batting lineup, highly adept at handling the conditions.The West Indies, burdened by a three-decade series drought in New Zealand, result will rely heavily on their new captain and the disciplined bowling of Kemar Roach and Jayden Seales.