Match Details
The 1st T20I of the three-match series between New Zealand and West Indies will be played at the Eden Park in Auckland.
This match will start at 11:30 AM IST (7 PM local). This match and the whole series can be streamed live on Fancode.
Preview
New Zealand played the last ODI against Australia before cricket stopped due to Coronavirus pandemic. And now they will resume their international cricket with a home series against the West Indies. The first of the three-match T20I series will be played on Friday with the Caribbean side also resuming their stint in the format. They were one of the first teams to resume cricket in the post COVID era by travelling to England for Test series.
The Kiwis have rested Kane Williamson and Trent Boult for this series as the duo was intensely involved in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Tim Southee is set to lead the side. West Indies also missing their top players Andre Russell and Dwayne Bravo for different reasons. Having said that, the Caribbeans are always dangerous in the shortest format and can never be taken lightly.
NZ vs WI Weather Report for Match 1
It will be cloudy for the whole day in Auckland on Friday. But there is only a little chance of rain and there might not be much of a hindrance in play. The temperature will stay around 18-19 Degrees Celsius during the match.
Pitch Report
Last three matches at the Eden Park has witnessed different kinds of scores. With this being the first match of the season, we might witness a big score even as the shorter boundaries will also help the batsmen. Spinners will also play a decent role as they have picked seven wickets in last three matches.
Average first innings score
160 (Last three T20Is played at the venue)
Record of the chasing teams
Won – 2; Lost – 0; Tie – 1
Injury & Availability News
(Will be shared if there’s an update)
NZ vs WI Today’s Probable Playing XIs:
New Zealand Predicted XI
Martin Guptill, Glenn Phillips, Tim Seifert (WK), Ross Taylor, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham/Ish Sodhi, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Lockie Ferguson, Kyle Jamieson
Bench – James Neesham/Ish Sodhi, Doug Bracewell, Hamish Bennett, Scott Kuggeleijn, Devon Conway
West Indies Predicted XI
Andre Fletcher, Brandon King, Nicholas Pooran (WK), Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Kieron Pollard (C), Keemo Paul, Fabian Allen, Kesrick Williams, Sheldon Cottrell, Hayden Walsh/Romario Shepherd
Bench – Hayden Walsh/Romario Shepherd, Kyle Mayers, Oshane Thomas
NZ vs WI Top picks for today’s Dream11 match:
Martin Guptill is playing T20 cricket after a long time but will back himself to come good against West Indies. He has scored 2536 runs in 88 T20Is at an SR of close to 135 and opens the innings.
Ross Taylor is a veteran T20 player and his presence in the middle-order will mean a lot to the team. He has played a whopping 100 T20Is scoring close to 2000 runs at a strike-rate of over 120.
Lockie Ferguson is a champion bowler when it comes to the shortest format. He is coming off a decent IPL season for Kolkata Knight Riders and his death bowling will be a treat to watch.
Nicholas Pooran was a vital cog for Kings XI Punjab in the IPL. He smashed 353 runs in 14 innings at an exceptional strike-rate of 169.71 and will be keen on taking advantage of shorter boundaries in New Zealand.
Kieron Pollard was crucial in Mumbai Indians’ title-winning run in IPL 2020. He batted at five or six on most occasions and scored 268 runs in 12 innings at a whopping strike-rate of 191.42. Pollard loves to lead from the front and it shouldn’t be a surprise if he shines in this series.
Captain and Vice-Captain Selection
Captain Options: Martin Guptill, Nicholas Pooran, Kieron Pollard
Vice-Captain Options: Shimron Hetmyer, Lockie Ferguson, Tim Seifert
Suggested Playing XI No. 1 for NZ vs WI Dream11 Fantasy Cricket:
Wicketkeeper: Tim Seifert, Andre Fletcher, Nicholas Pooran (VC)
Batsmen: Martin Guptill (C), Ross Taylor, Shimron Hetmyer
All-Rounders: Mitchell Santner, Kieron Pollard
Bowlers: Lockie Ferguson, Kyle Jamieson, Keemo Paul
Suggested Playing XI No. 2 for NZ vs WI Dream11 Fantasy Cricket:
Wicketkeeper: Glenn Phillips, Tim Seifert, Andre Fletcher, Nicholas Pooran
Batsmen: Ross Taylor, Brandon King, Shimron Hetmyer
All-Rounders: Kieron Pollard (C)
Bowlers: Lockie Ferguson (VC), Tim Southee, Sheldon Cottrell
Expert Advice
Devon Conway seems to be in line to make his international debut for New Zealand. If he plays, then Glenn Phillips will most probably sit out. You can pick Conway in your Grand League team and if possible, make him captain as he is a good batsman.
NZ vs WI Today’s Probable Winners
New Zealand are expected to win this match.
