New Zealand and West Indies are set to face each other in the 2nd Test of the three-match series at Basin Reserve, Wellington, starting Wednesday, December 10 at 3:30 a.m. IST. This match holds high importance as both teams look to break the deadlock after the first Test ended in a resilient draw.
Match Details:
• Match: New Zealand vs West Indies, 2nd Test
• Date: December 10–14
• Time: 3:30 a.m. IST
• Venue: Basin Reserve, Wellington
• Live Streaming: FanCode (India), ESPN+ (USA), Sky Sport NZ (New Zealand), Sportsmax (Caribbean)
Match Overview
After a gripping draw in the opening Test match, the series moves to Wellington where New Zealand will look to take control at home, while West Indies will aim to prove their remarkable first-Test fight was no fluke. Both teams arrive with momentum, confidence, and a clear understanding of the conditions.
New Zealand dominated large parts of the first Test but failed to capitalise with the ball when it mattered most. Their batters delivered strongly, piling up 231 and 466/6, led by centuries from Rachin Ravindra and Tom Latham. Kane Williamson provided stability with a fifty in the first innings, while Jacob Duffy’s eight wickets kept them ahead for large phases. However, the Kiwis could not break West Indies’ lower-order resistance, forcing the game into a draw.
West Indies, known for their inconsistency in Test cricket, surprised everyone with a fight full of grit. Their determination was highlighted by Justin Greaves, who played one of the great escape knocks with an unbeaten 202 off 388 balls. Shai Hope kept the innings anchored across both innings with scores of 56 and 140, while Kemar Roach not only bagged seven wickets but also struck a fighting fifty. Their collective resilience ensured the visitors avoided another defeat and enter the second Test with renewed belief.
Head-to-Head (Tests)
New Zealand and West Indies have faced each other 50 times in Test cricket. New Zealand have won 17 matches, the West Indies have claimed 13 victories, and 20 games have ended in a draw.
Interestingly, at Basin Reserve, West Indies hold a surprising advantage, winning 6 out of 9 encounters, which adds intrigue to this contest.
Probable Playing XI
New Zealand (latest squad for the tour):
Tom Latham (c), Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (wk), Mitchell Santner, Zak Foulkes, Nathan Smith, Matt Henry, Blair Tickner.
West Indies (latest squad for the tour):
Roston Chase (c), John Campbell, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Alick Athanaze, Shai Hope, Kavem Hodge, Tevin Imlach (wk), Justin Greaves, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales, Ojay Shields.
Pitch Report
Basin Reserve is known for its seamer-friendly conditions, especially during the first session of the match. Fast bowlers benefit from early swing, seam movement and consistent bounce, particularly on overcast or windy mornings. As the day progresses, batting becomes easier, rewarding patient stroke-play. Spinners come into the game later, but this surface remains a paradise for quality fast bowling throughout the match.
Weather Forecast
The weather in Wellington is expected to be cold and partly cloudy throughout the Test. Temperatures will stay around 18–20°C with high humidity close to 89 percent and winds blowing at around 18 km/h. These conditions favour seam movement and could play a major role in the first two days.
Players to Watch
Rachin Ravindra (NZ):
Currently in top form, Ravindra smashed 176 in the second innings of the previous Test and has already accumulated 1403 Test runs in just 18 matches. His ability to bat long makes him a key threat.
Shai Hope (WI):
Hope has developed into West Indies’ most dependable Test batter. With 196 runs across both innings in the first Test, he will again carry the responsibility of holding the innings together.
Probable Match Scenarios
Scenario 1:
• Toss: New Zealand bowl first
• WI 1st Innings: 210–250
• WI 2nd Innings: 260–280
• Result: New Zealand win
Scenario 2:
• Toss: West Indies bowl first
• NZ 1st Innings: 280–310
• NZ 2nd Innings: 270–310
• Result: West Indies win
Match Prediction
New Zealand enter the contest as favourites due to home conditions, stronger depth, and consistency. However, West Indies’ historic success at this venue and their incredible fightback in the first Test cannot be ignored. If their key batters deliver again and the bowlers find rhythm early, they can challenge New Zealand.
Overall, New Zealand remain slightly ahead, but West Indies have shown they can push the hosts deep into the contest.