New Zealand v West Indies, 1st T20I

27/11/20, 6am (GMT), Auckland

WINNER

NEW ZEALAND – 4/6

v

WEST INDIES – 6/5

Match Preview

New Zealand will begin their international summer without two key players, with captain Kane Williamson and his deputy Tim Southee both rested for the T20 series.

Mitch Santner steps in but more importantly, it signals clear priorities – or lack of – for New Zealand as they begin a flurry of matches.

They come up against the current format world champions who have been busy playing in the CPL and the IPL, so players such as Kieron Pollard, Nicholas Pooran and Shimron Hetmyer shouldn’t have too many difficulties but there is no Andre Russell.

Our Prediction

Nicholas Pooran to hit the most sixes – 8/1

Pooran had an excellent IPL with 25 sixes in just 208 balls faced – an average of eight balls per six hit – and will enjoy the short boundaries on offer in New Zealand.

If he gets going, the Black Caps will be in serious trouble and we expect the big-hitting left-hander to go from strength to strength in the coming months as he makes his mark on the world game.

Series Prediction

West Indies to win 3-0 – 8/1

New Zealand never get thrashed and always put up something of a fight despite often being overlooked, but with them resting key players and the West Indies loving the T20 format, it could be a tough series for them.