New Zealand will face the West Indies in the first T20I of the five-match series on Wednesday, November 5, at Eden Park in Auckland. The match is scheduled to begin at 11:45 a.m. IST and promises an exciting battle between two sides eager to start their series with a win.
Match Details:
-
Match: New Zealand vs West Indies, 1st T20I
-
Date: Wednesday, November 5, 2025
-
Time: 11:45 a.m. IST
-
Venue: Eden Park, Auckland
-
Live Streaming: FanCode app and website in India; Spark Sport in New Zealand; ESPN Caribbean in the West Indies; Sky Sports in the UK; Willow TV in the USA.
Team Overview
New Zealand:
The Mitchell Santner-led New Zealand side will be looking to bounce back after losing their previous T20I series to England. The Kiwis have had mixed results lately, having also suffered defeats against Australia. However, they will draw confidence from their strong performances at home and their experienced core group. The absence of Kane Williamson, who recently retired from T20 internationals, will be a big void, but it opens opportunities for younger players to step up. Ish Sodhi returns to the squad, strengthening the spin department, while Tim Seifert and Daryl Mitchell are expected to lead the charge with the bat. New Zealand’s balance of all-rounders like Jimmy Neesham and Michael Bracewell gives them the flexibility to adapt to conditions at Eden Park.
West Indies:
Led by Shai Hope, the West Indies enter this series with renewed confidence after a dominant 3-0 T20I series win over Bangladesh. Their explosive batting lineup and improved bowling attack make them a dangerous opponent for any side. Brandon King and Sherfane Rutherford have been in fine form, while Jason Holder and Romario Shepherd add experience and depth to their bowling unit. Matthew Forde’s return from injury boosts their pace attack, though the absence of Gudakesh Motie and Ramon Simmons could test their bowling variety. The Caribbean side’s recent form gives them an edge heading into this contest.
Head-to-Head Record
-
Matches Played: 20
-
New Zealand Wins: 10
-
West Indies Wins: 5
-
Tied: 3
-
No Result: 2
Interestingly, the West Indies have never lost to New Zealand at Eden Park, winning both encounters played at this venue.
Probable Playing XI
New Zealand:
Tim Seifert (wk), Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Zak Foulkes, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy
West Indies:
Brandon King, Alick Athanaze, Ackeem Auguste, Shai Hope (c/wk), Sherfane Rutherford, Roston Chase, Rovman Powell, Jason Holder, Romario Shepherd, Akeal Hosein, Jayden Seales
Pitch Report – Eden Park, Auckland
The pitch at Eden Park offers a balanced surface, slightly favoring batters early in the innings. The bounce and carry are consistent, allowing stroke makers to dominate. Pacers will find movement with the new ball, especially under overcast skies, while spinners may come into play during the later stages. The average first-innings score is around 171, which drops to 154 in the second innings, making it a venue where batting first often pays off.
Weather Report
The weather is expected to remain cloudy and cool, with temperatures hovering between 11°C and 16°C. There is a 16% chance of light rain, which could briefly interrupt play. The breeze might help seamers generate swing in the early overs.
Players to Watch
Tim Seifert (New Zealand):
Known for his explosive starts, Seifert’s ability to dominate the powerplay makes him a key player for the hosts. With over 1800 T20I runs, he will look to anchor the top order and set the tone for New Zealand.
Shai Hope (West Indies):
The West Indies skipper has been in fine touch, scoring consistently across formats. After scoring 101 runs in two matches against Bangladesh, Hope will look to lead from the front and continue his rich form.
Probable Match Scenarios
Scenario 1:
-
Toss Winner: New Zealand (opts to bowl first)
-
Powerplay Score: 40–55
-
West Indies Total: 155–165
-
Likely Winner: New Zealand
Scenario 2:
-
Toss Winner: West Indies (opts to bowl first)
-
Powerplay Score: 45–55
-
New Zealand Total: 175–185
-
Likely Winner: New Zealand
Match Prediction
While the West Indies come into the series with strong momentum and a confident batting unit, New Zealand’s home advantage and superior record in T20Is make them slight favorites. However, the Caribbean side’s past success at Eden Park could make this a tightly contested encounter. Expect a close finish, but New Zealand’s balance and familiarity with conditions might just give them the upper hand in the opening match.