The second ODI New Zealand vs West Indies at The McLean Park in Naiper ,with hosts take 1-0 lead in three matches ODI series ,the blackcaps registered thrilling 7 runs victory in series opener, will be pushing for an unassailable series win, while the Windies will be desperate to level the scores and take the contest to a decider.
The BlackCaps secured the first ODI thanks to a masterful century from Daryl Mitchell, but they will be forced to make a significant change as Mitchell has been ruled out of this match due to a groin injury.His likely replacement, the versatile left-hander Mark Chapman, will slot into the middle order, placing extra responsibility on the likes of Will Young and Tom Latham. The bowling unit, featuring the likes of Kyle Jamieson (who was the top wicket-taker with 3 scalps in the 1st ODI) Zakary Foulkes and Jacob Duffy play crucial role and Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell provide spin options.
On the other hand,West Indies showed fight in the first ODI, primarily through a late surge led by Sherfane Rutherford aggressive fifty and a spirited lower-order stand from Justin Greaves and Romario Shepherd, but fell short by 7 runs. Their goal remains clear: deliver a complete, consistent performance.
Openers John Campbell and Alick Athanaze need to lay a more solid foundation. Captain Shai Hope is the anchor and will be key, Roston chase, Sherfane Rutherford , bring stability in middle order while Justin Greaves and Romario shepherd add more balance with their all round ability at lower order.
Jayden Seales , Matthew Forde lead the pace attack while get support from all rounders.
New Zealand vs West Indies Head to Head Records in ODIs
Total matches played: 68
West Indies won: 31
New Zealand won: 30
No Results: 7
Pitch Report
McLean Park generally offers a balanced surface that can be challenging early on for the batters, especially with the new ball, The fast bowlers typically enjoy the surface, finding good carry and some lateral movement in the first powerplay.Spinners can come into play as the pitch wears, and their role in the middle overs will be key. The average first-innings total here in ODIs sits around a modest 235, suggesting that run-scoring isn’t always a cakewalk. The second innings average drops to 196, indicating that chasing can be tricky .
Probable playing XIs
New Zealand
Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, will young, Mark Chapman, Tom Latham (wk), Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner, Jacob Duffy, Zakary Foulkes, Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry
West Indies
Alick Athanaze, John Campbell, Shai Hope (wk/c), Sherfane Rutherford, Roston Chase, Justin Greaves, Romario Shepherd, Jayden Seales, Matthew Forde , kecy Carty, Shamar Springer
Players to Watch Out
Mark Chapman
Devon Conway
Jacob Duffy
Shai Hope
Romario Shepherd
Jayden Seales
Prediction
New Zealand depth and home-ground advantage keep them as the favourites. The West Indies need a far more cohesive batting display to pose a serious threat. Expect a hard-fought contest, but the BlackCaps’ balanced attack should see them clinch a narrow victory to seal the series