New Zealand begin their home summer with a three-match T20I series against the West Indies.
Image Copyright – Steve Haag Sports
The West Indies have been in New Zealand for some time, not helping themselves with a string of coronavirus protocol infractions.
New Zealand vs West Indies | Friday 27 November 2020 | Eden Park, Auckland | 08:00
To Win Match
New Zealand 62/100
Tie 25/1
West Indies 27/20
New Zealand
New Zealand have selected a squad that is an exciting blend of youth and experience with regular skipper Kane Williamson rested for the series after his part in the IPL.
Tim Southee will lead the Black Caps in his stead while the hosts will look to the experience of Ross Taylor to keep the top order together.
South African-born batsman Devon Conway is on the brink of a debut for the Black Caps, but competition for places among the batsmen is stiff.
Top seamer Trent Boult has also been rested after his efforts in helping the Mumbai Indians win the IPL which affords opportunities to quicks like Lockie Ferguson and Kyle Jamieson.
Ish Sodhi is the only specialist wrist-spinner in the group but how the tracks will play remains something of a mystery at this stage, and he is the best man for the job in the short format.
West Indies
The West Indies have also opted to rest their regular skipper with Kieron Pollard coming in to lead in place of fellow allrounder Jason Holder.
Pollard is not afforded rest despite his IPL stint likely due to being a white-ball specialist. He will command a dangerous but inexperienced West Indies team.
The Windies team is loaded with power players who could be a real handful at Eden Park with the grounds infamously short straight boundaries likely to come into play.
Nicholas Pooran did a great job of pressing for a regular place during the IPL being solid behind the stumps and brilliant with bat in hand.
Sheldon Cottrell has become one of the best T20 bowlers in the world and his ability to get early wickets could be the Windies secret weapon.
Verdict: New Zealand 62/100
The hosts should have enough of an edge to see off the Windies.
Written by James Richardson.
