The Series Shifts to ODI Cricket
With the New Zealand series win of 3 to 1 in T20Is now being settled in the memory bank, the tours now shift to the longer length of the game, the ODIs. With the World Cup now right round the corner, the format of the game shifts into focus. Hagley Oval in Christchurch, with its first fully completed ODI after 2021, served as the perfect backdrop to start another story with a new white ball.
Match Overview and Venue Dynamics
The opening ODI takes place on November 16th, 2025, at 01:00 AM UTC. New Zealand enters with a seventy-five percent win probability, while the West Indies stands at twenty-five percent. Hagley Oval is known for early seam, true bounce, and conditions that challenge indecision. New Zealand has won four of their last five ODIs here. The West Indies have not won a bilateral ODI series in New Zealand since 1995, a statistic that spans nearly three decades.
New Zealand Approach with Composure and Form
New Zealand arrive confident despite the absence of Kane Williamson. Under Mitchell Santner’s leadership, the side looks composed and purposeful.
New Zealand Batting Strength
Devon Conway anchors the top order with five ODI centuries in 36 innings. Rachin Ravindra brings controlled aggression, while Daryl Mitchell remains the central stabilizing force with 2219 runs at an average of 51. Mark Chapman enters in outstanding form with three fifties and a century in his last five innings. Together, Mitchell and Chapman form a middle order of rare stability.
New Zealand Bowling Depth and Control
Jacob Duffy leads the attack with impressive recent figures of 3 for 55, 3 for 56, 2 for 19, 3 for 36, and 4 for 35 across his last seven matches. Matt Henry and Blair Tickner bring experience, while Santner and Bracewell make sure the team is balanced by using spin.
West Indies Talent Searching for Consistency
The West Indies bring flair and power but continue to struggle with consistency, especially in foreign conditions. Adaptation will be a key challenge at Hagley Oval, where several players have never played an ODI.
West Indies Batting: Hope at the Core
Shai Hope still holds most of the statistics, with 5951 runs, over 50 average, and 21 centuries. The rest of the batters still have quite a way to go, with the next best being Keacy Carty with over 500 runs this year. Alick Athanaze and Justin Greaves also have their middle-order support, while Sherfane Rutherford and Romario Shepherd assist with the lower-order batting. The task is still challenging, as most of the burden is still on Hope.
West Indies Bowling: Pace Heavy, Spin Light
Jayden Seales continues his impressive form with figures of 3 for 48, 3 for 32, and 3 for 32. Matthew Forde, Springer, and Layne strengthen the pace unit, but with only Chase as a frontline spinner, the attack leans heavily on fast bowling.
Weather and Pitch Expectations
Christchurch is set for clear skies with temperatures between 18 and 20 degrees Celsius and less than a ten percent chance of rain. A mild breeze of 14 to 17 kilometers per hour is expected. The pitch should offer early movement before easing into favorable batting conditions. First-inning totals of 260 to 270 are likely, with 290 possible if the surface flattens.
Head-to-Head and Recent History
Across 68 ODIs, New Zealand has won 30, the West Indies 31, with seven no results. Recent form strongly favors New Zealand with a 4 to 1 lead in the last five meetings.
Players Who Could Shift the Match
Daryl Mitchell stands as New Zealand’s most influential batter. Shai Hope remains central for the West Indies. Jacob Duffy is expected to test the visitors with the new ball, while Jayden Seales will challenge the New Zealand top order with his accuracy and pace.
Expected Match Scenarios
If New Zealand bats first, considering a first powerplay of 45–50, the expected total would be between 250 and 270. Off 45–50 in the powerplay, should West Indies bat first, they will likely post between 230 and 250. New Zealand, in both situations, maintains an advantage. This is based on depth, conditions, and current form.
Current Winning Odds from Stake.com
Final Match Prediction
The moment for competitive cricket and for other experiences that make up cricketing brilliance has come. But with good home strength, good form, and knowledge of Hagley Oval, New Zealand has an edge. With collective failure being the only caveat, the home side is strongly poised to win the first ODI to be played in Christchurch.
