NZ vs WI Match Prediction Analysis
The picturesque Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui is set to host the 3rd Test of this series, scheduled to begin on December 18 at 4:00 AM BDT. Following a decisive result in Wellington, the momentum sits firmly with the hosts.
New Zealand comes into this match operating like a well-oiled machine, showcasing the tactical discipline that has become their hallmark in world cricket. Their ability to “over-perform” through a team-first culture makes them formidable opponents at home.
The West Indies, on the other hand, are currently staring down the barrel of a difficult tour, struggling to translate their celebrated T20 flair into the patience required for Test cricket. To salvage this match, they must overcome the systemic issues plaguing their long-format consistency and adapt quickly to the swinging conditions at Bay Oval.
New Zealand vs West Indies Team Preview & Squads
New Zealand
Captain Tom Latham continues to lead with a calm demeanor, focusing on a strategy that prioritizes patience and grinding down the opposition bowlers. His leadership style relies heavily on tactical nuances, ensuring that field placements strangle scoring opportunities for aggressive Caribbean batters.
NZ batting depth is a significant asset for the Kiwis, anchored by the class of Kane Williamson and the explosive potential of Devon Conway at the top. With talents like Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell in the middle order, they possess the resilience to recover from early wickets or accelerate when the pitch flattens out.
NZ’s bowling department, the spotlight remains on Jacob Duffy, who tore through the West Indies lineup in the last match with figures of 5/38 in the second innings. Supported by the spin of Ajaz Patel and the all-round utility of Glenn Phillips, the attack is well-balanced to exploit Bay Oval’s conditions.
Coming off a comprehensive 9-wicket victory in the 2nd Test at Wellington, the team’s confidence is sky-high. The previous match scorecard highlights their dominance, where they dismissed the visitors cheaply twice and chased down the target of 56 with minimal fuss.
New Zealand Squads
New Zealand
Tom Latham (C), Tom Blundell, Michael Bracewell, Kristian Clarke, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Daryl Mitchell, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Michael Rae, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Will Young, Mitchell Hay (wk)
West Indies
Roston Chase faces the unenviable task of rallying a squad that has looked mentally fragile in the longer format during this tour. As captain, he needs to not only contribute significantly with bat and ball but also instill a belief that they can survive rigorous sessions against quality swing bowling.
WI batting unit, featuring Kavem Hodge and Alick Athanaze, has struggled to build substantial partnerships, often falling victim to loose shots and a lack of temperament. They rely heavily on individual brilliance rather than collective accumulation, a strategy that historically backfires in New Zealand conditions.
WI bowling attack remains their primary strength, with Anderson Phillip and Kemar Roach capable of generating uncomfortable bounce and pace. If they can find the right lengths early, they have the firepower to trouble the Kiwi top order, provided their fielders hold onto chances.
The scars from the 2nd Test in Wellington are fresh, where they were bundled out for 128 in the second innings, leading to a crushing defeat. That performance highlighted their systemic weakness in governance and preparation, leading to a stark decline in their competitiveness in Test cricket.
West Indies Squads
West Indies
Roston Chase (C), Jomel Warrican (VC), Alick Athanaze, John Campbell, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Justin Greaves, Kavem Hodge, Shai Hope, Tevin Imlach (wk), Brandon King, Johann Layne, Anderson Phillip, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales, Ojay Shields
Match Details | |
Match | New Zealand vs West Indies | 3rd Test | West Indies tour of New Zealand 2025 |
Date | 18/12/2025 (Thursday) |
Time | BDT 4:00 AM / PKT 3:00 AM / INR 3:30 AM |
Format | Test |
Venue | Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui |
Recent performance | New Zealand – W W W D W West Indies – L L L D L |
Live Streaming Details | Click here to watch the NZ vs WI Live Stream on Sports Live Hub(SLH) |
NZ vs WI Outfield Report
Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui
The pitch at Bay Oval typically offers a fair contest between bat and ball, though the first morning usually sees a green tinge that assists seam bowlers like Jacob Duffy. As the match progresses into days 3 and 4, the track tends to flatten out, becoming more conducive to stroke-making, before taking a bit of turn late on day 5.
Weather conditions in Mount Maunganui for December are generally mild and pleasant, though the coastal breeze can aid swing bowlers significantly throughout the day. While rain is always a variable in New Zealand, the forecast suggests decent playing conditions, with the “dew factor” largely negated in this daytime Test format.
The outfield here is lush but fast, rewarding shots that pierce the gap. Fielding standards will be a differentiator; New Zealand’s fielding is world-class, whereas West Indies often leak runs through misfields, which could prove costly in a low-scoring thriller.
New Zealand vs West Indies Head-to-Head Stats of Last 5 Matches
In the recent history between these two sides, New Zealand has maintained a stronghold, evidenced by their emphatic victory in the 2nd Test at Wellington on December 12, 2025.
NZ vs WI Prediction
Event | New Zealand | West Indies |
Toss Winner | – | West Indies |
Player of the Match | Kane Williamson | – |
Top Run Scorer | Kane Williamson | Kavem Hodge |
Top Wicket Taker | Jacob Duffy | Anderson Phillip |
Most Sixes | Glenn Phillips | Roston Chase |
1st Innings Predicted Score | 420+ | 210+ |
Win Probability | 53% | 47% |
According to cricket analysts New Zealand have a 53% chance of Winning.
Disclaimer: This cricket prediction reflects the author’s personal insights and analysis. We encourage readers to review the points shared and draw their own conclusions.
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