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West Indies vs New Zealand 1st T20 Preview

Written by Rick John Henry for @HollywoodbetsFollow them both on Twitter and Facebook now!


West Indies vs New Zealand | Saturday 05 July | Windsor Park | 20:00

In the aftermath of a whirlwind Test series, in which the Black Caps claimed their first away victory against top-eight opposition in twelve long years, the tour wraps up with two back-to-back T20s at Windsor Park. It was a bold declaration from New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum to bring the final day showdown into effect, and it will take a similar type of bravery from the Black Caps to leave with the spoils in the shorter format. Tactical aggression is an important part of T20 cricket and will be especially valuable given the hosts’ penchant for twenty over glory. New Zealand will also feel emboldened by the absence of key West Indians, necessitating the installment of a few fresh faces.

To Win
West Indies 15/20
Tie 35/1
New Zealand 11/10

West Indies
The former World T20 champions will be bitterly disappointed that they were unable to save the Test series on a rain interrupted final day and need a strong showing in their favoured format to satisfy their ailing fans. However, it seems the hosts do not revere the series, opting to rest the talismanic Chris Gayle. They will also be forced to make do without the services of Dwayne Bravo as a result of injury, and have decided that Ravi Rampaul and Johnson Charles are surplus to requirements. Burly Kieron Pollard makes his West Indian comeback following another mildly successful stint in the IPL while Darren Bravo and Christopher Barnwell are the new additions. Barnwell is a seaming all-rounder in the Dwayne Bravo mould and has been making waves around the islands with his nagging lengths and clever changes of pace. Darren Sammy also returns as the T20 captain, along with Sunil Narine, who was snubbed for the Test series following at late return from the IPL final, assisting the Kolkata Knight Riders to the trophy.

New Zealand
The Black Caps will use the same squad of fifteen that they brought over for the Test series, allowing for experimentation with their T20 lineup. In the World Cup, Martin Guptill opened with Kane Williamson but without Guptill on tour, and with both Rutherford and Fulton in horrible form, a hole exists in the New Zealand top order. They have decided to experiment with Jimmy Neesham as a makeshift T20 opener following his profitable run with the bat during the Test series, notching up a century and two fifties. This will also allow New Zealand to incorporate Corey Anderson in the middle-order. Being a similar player to Neesham (a seaming all-rounder), the Black Caps have battled to integrate both talents into the side. Other notable exclusions from New Zealand’s World T20 side are Luke Ronchi, Nathan McCullum, Kyle Mills and Mitchell McClenaghan. Tim Southee and Neil Wagner provide pace cover, while BJ Watling is likely to take the gloves and Mark Craig appointed the spin option.

Venue
Windsor Park will be the setting for both T20s and while there is not much information available regarding the pitch conditions, one thing that will concern the West Indies is their poor international record at the ground. Of the three Tests hosted, the West Indies have only beaten Zimbabwe and have lost all four ODIs at Windsor Park. There is a good chance of morning showers which should clear before the start of play.

VERDICT: New Zealand 11/10
The West Indies are strong favourites and rightly so, given their success in the format over the past few years. However, I feel the hosts are missing a few too many players and despite the makeshift nature of the Black Caps’ team, I see the visitors coming out on top. They have a strong, proud limited overs record and have a hungry, determined nature about the team. That could make all the difference here.

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