Cricket News: WI VS NZ 1st T20 - Match Preview

The hosts' most recent T20 series against India ended in a 4-1 crushing defeat for them. At the same time, the visitors defeated Netherlands 2-0 in their most recent T20 series. New Zealand is currently undefeated in seven T20I games and is in commanding shape.

To prevent the visitors from winning another T20 series, the Nicholas Pooran-led team must play at the top of their form.

West Indies wants to put on a more robust batting performance - West Indies batters had trouble scoring runs with the bat against India. They frequently bowled out for less than 150 after losing wickets in waves. The team would strive to hit hard with the bat to exert pressure on New Zealand.

On the other hand, the Micthell Santner-led team has checked many boxes and is doing brilliantly with bat and ball. Kane Williamson, Martin Guptill, and Daryl Mitchell all return to head the side. The visitors' batting has looked good, with newcomers Michael Bracewell and Finn Allen coming up. Ish Sodhi, a leg spinner, has looked good in his bowling, taking most of the wickets.

WI VS NZ, First T20I, Pitch Report:

In white-ball cricket, Sabina Park's pitch is perfectly balanced for both batsmen and bowlers. New Zealand pacers will probably dominate the powerplay overs, but batters should anticipate significant scores in the middle and death overs. The average first innings score in the three T20I games played here is slightly under 134 runs.

Predicted Playing XI

West Indies: Nicholas Pooran (C & WK), Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Shimron Hetmyer, Odean Smith, Rovman Powell, Akeal Hosein, Romario Shepherd, Alzarri Joseph, Obed McCoy, Hayden Walsh 

New Zealand: Kane Williamson (C), Martin Guptill, Daryl Mitchell, Devon Conway, Glenn Phillips (WK), Michael Bracewell, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson

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