new zealand Will face West Indies in the first match of the five-match T20 series. This article provides details about the playing 11 of West Indies vs New Zealand for the first match of the series.
West Indies vs New Zealand Playing XI- 1st T20I, West Indies tour of New Zealand 2025:
Openers: Alick Athanazé, Akeem Auguste
The Windies will be aiming to continue their team’s momentum with a 3-0 series win against Bangladesh in the T20I format of the game when they take on the former World Cup winners New Zealand.
The Shai Hope-led side has retained the core that played last series, including Matthew Forde, who returns to the side after suffering an injury in August this year.
One notable exclusion from the Windies squad for this particular series is Gudakesh Moti, who was part of the squad in the previous series against Bangladesh.
Additionally, the Windies selectors have shown confidence in the players who have won previous series, which shows consistency in the selection process and is a good sign ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup to be played in India and Sri Lanka next year.
The visiting team will be looking to deliver a spirited performance, especially with the bat, to give the bowlers enough runs to play while defending the target.
Indies are expected to open the batting with Alek Athanaz and Akeem Auguste, and will back the pair to do well against New Zealand’s strong bowling lineup.
Middle-order batsmen and all-rounders: Brandon King, Shai Hope (wicketkeeper/captain), Roston Chase, Rovman Powell, Jason Holder, Romario Shepherd.
The opening pair will be followed by experienced middle-order batsmen like Brandon King, Shai Hope, Roston Chase and Rovman Powell, all of whom will be eyeing a good performance with the bat.
The above mentioned batsmen will be supported by former captain Jason Holder, who will bat at number seven and will also play a key role with the ball in all three phases of the innings, and Romario Shepherd.
As far as West Indies are concerned, out of all the batsmen, the one on whom most eyes will be on will be captain Shai Hope, who will preferably bat at number four and look to lead from the front.
Hope will look for good support from the other batsmen to increase West Indies’ chances of a strong performance with the bat.
Bowlers: Akeal Hosein, Khary Pierre, Jayden Seales
When it comes to Indies’ bowling attack, it is expected to consist of three fast bowlers and as many spinners, leaving six bowling options for the captain to choose from.
No matter how many bowling options West Indies have for the first T20 match against New Zealand, the fast bowlers will have to shoulder a heavy responsibility for the Maroon team.
This is because spinners are expected to get little or no help from the surface at Eden Park, the venue of the opening game of the five-match series.
The trio of Jaden Seales, Jason Holder and Romario Shepherd will be the three pace bowlers for West Indies, who will be assisted by Akeal Hosein, Khary Pierre and Roston Chase as the three spinners.