West Indies are led by Shai Hope and New Zealand are led by Mitchell Santner. They will face each other in the first ODI of the five-match series at the Providence Stadium in Guyana on Saturday, July 11.
The Providence Stadium has hosted many competitive ODI matches over the years and usually sees a balanced contest between bat and ball. Spinners often find success as the match progresses, while in day-night games the evening dew can play a major role.
West Indies vs New Zealand 1st ODI: Match Details
match: West Indies vs New Zealand, 1st ODI
series: West Indies tour of New Zealand, 2026
date: Saturday, July 11, 2026
Time: 2:30 PM local time (12:00 AM IST)
venue: Providence Stadium, Guyana
West Indies vs New Zealand 1st ODI: Venue Overview
Providence Stadium, also known as the Guyana National Stadium, is one of the West Indies’ regular international venues. The ground has a seating capacity of approximately 15,000 and has hosted several ODI, T20I and ICC tournament matches since 2007.
The venue is known for producing balanced wickets that reward disciplined batting and quality spin bowling. Dew also comes from day and night matches in the stadium.
West Indies vs New Zealand 1st ODI: Pitch Report
The pitch at Providence Stadium generally provides support for both batsmen and bowlers. Fast bowlers can get movement with the new ball, while spinners become more effective as the pitch slows down in the middle overs.
The average first innings score at the venue is 216. Batsmen who spend time at the crease generally have more success than those who attack from the beginning. A total between 240 and 260 in the first innings should be competitive.
West Indies vs New Zealand 1st ODI: Weather Forecast
The weather forecast looks favorable for cricket, with a slight chance of rain during the match. The temperature is expected to remain around 26°C throughout the evening. Humidity is likely to remain near 80%, which may lead to heavy dew in the second innings.
West Indies vs New Zealand 1st ODI: Records at the venue
Providence Stadium has hosted 25 men’s ODI matches. Teams batting first have won 13 matches, while teams chasing have won 11. One match ended without result.
West Indies vs New Zealand 1st ODI: Average score in 1st innings
The average first innings score at Providence Stadium is 216. Teams usually require partnerships during the middle overs before accelerating towards the end of the innings. Given the conditions and expected dew, a score above 240 could put the batting side in a strong position.
West Indies vs New Zealand 1st ODI: Average 2nd innings score
The second innings often becomes easier in floodlights due to dew. However as the surface becomes slower as the match progresses, the wet ball reduces the grip available to spinners and slow bowlers.
West Indies vs New Zealand 1st ODI: Records of chases at venues
Teams batting second have won 11 of the 25 ODI matches played at the Providence Stadium, giving them a success rate of 44%. However, in day-night matches, evening dew can improve batting conditions while chasing the target. Therefore, the captain who wins the toss may prefer to bowl first.
West Indies vs New Zealand 1st ODI: Highest team score at venue
The highest ODI score at the Providence Stadium is by West Indies, who scored 309/6 against Pakistan on April 7, 2017. This innings is the only score of over 300 at the venue and shows that big scores are possible when batsmen build their innings.
West Indies vs New Zealand 1st ODI: Lowest team total at the venue
The record for the lowest completed ODI score at Providence Stadium is also held by West Indies, having been bowled out for 98 against Pakistan on 14 July 2013. Batting can be difficult when bowlers make full use of the slow surface and available support.
West Indies vs New Zealand 1st ODI Important Venue Stats
Matches played: 25
Won by batting first: 13
Won by chasing: 11
No results: 1
Average score of first innings: 216
Highest team total: West Indies- 309/6 vs Pakistan
Lowest team total: West Indies – 98 vs Pakistan
Highest individual innings: 130 – Tamim Iqbal (Bangladesh) vs West Indies
Best bowling: 7/12 Shahid Afridi (Pakistan) vs West Indies
West Indies vs New Zealand 1st ODI pitch report decision
The Providence Stadium is expected to provide another balanced wicket for the opening ODI. Expected evening dew could become a significant factor later in the match. Teams winning the toss are likely to bowl first and chase the target in better batting conditions.
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