A Night of Anticipation in McLean Park

The lights will soon be shining on a cloudy sky in Napier as New Zealand and the West Indies prepare to clash in the second ODI of this titillating series in 2025. Navigating through a gripping first ODI, clocking in at just under 6 hours, ended with New Zealand edging the series opener by 7 runs. The narrative now shifts to pressure, pride, and the search for momentum between two teams feeling very differently about the short series. The Black Caps enter with increasing confidence, winning five ODIs on the bounce, while the Windies arrive determined, frustrated, and hungry to leave Napier with a 1-1 series tie, leading into the decider on the 21st of Nov. 

• Competition: Match 2 of 3 ODIs | New Zealand leads the series 1-0.
• Date: 19th November, 2025
• Time: 01:00 AM (UTC)
• Venue: McLean Park, Napier.
• Win Chance: NZ 77% – WI 23%

The Story So Far: A Series That Hangs on the Smallest Moments

The first ODI was the fast-paced, tense game we all expected that was only decided in the final overs. New Zealand’s total of 269/7 seemed likely to be chased down, but New Zealand’s disciplined bowling and moments of putting their opponents under pressure made all the difference. The West Indies batted gallantly to manage 262/6 in reply, but what they missed was someone batting long enough to give them the total they needed to chase it down.

However, there is something unsettling about the visitors; this series is far from over. They have flair, unpredictability, and players that can destroy any attack on their day. And, given history, Napier also often gives us games with unexpected twists.

New Zealand 

The approach to New Zealand's batting has been remarkably steady. In the first ODI, Daryl Mitchell produced an outstanding 119 runs from 118 balls to provide a platform, while Devon Conway's stylish 49 runs supplied assurance at the top of the order. However, the main strength lies below the top order, where Rachin Ravindra, Tom Latham, and Michael Bracewell provide an enviable combination of dependability and destructive hitting.

Rachin Ravindra is the heartbeat of New Zealand's modern-day ODI game and already has five hundreds and five fifties in this format. Will Young—with a 49 average in New Zealand—provides quiet assurance in the middle order. The finishing roles are even well established. Bracewell anchors and also has Zakary Foulkes at his disposal to score at a good rate in the death overs, forming a right-complete batting engine for the Black Caps.

Bowling: Variation, Accuracy, and Big Game Execution

Kyle Jamieson outshone everyone in the opening, with 3/52, throwing down awkward bounce areas and then having batters playing steep seam movement. Matt Henry and Mitchell Santner brought a bit of control, while Foulkes added to the pace variations.

Predicted XI

Conway, Ravindra, Young, Mitchell, Latham (wk), Bracewell, Santner (c), Foulkes, Jamieson, Henry, Duffy

West Indies

The West Indies showed promise and concern in their first ODI. Sherfane Rutherford's courageous 55 was an example of that promise, while Shai Hope and Justin Greaves supported the chase with meaningful thirties. Their problem, however, is simple. Neither shined longer than four to finish the job. Still, this lineup is replete with game-breaking potential. 

Shai Hope is the stabilizer, Keacy Carty is the quick-gear shifter, and John Campbell is deadly when he gets to know the pitch a bit better; a single big inning from any of them could change the whole outcome. Rutherford and Roston Chase provide a bit of middle-order backbone, offering the balance for either a sustained chase or a big finish. 

Bowling: Seales at the Fore

The biggest positive for the West Indies in this match would be Jayden Seales, who produced exceptional figures of 3/41. He generated more bounce than any other bowler in this match and used seam movement to trouble the likes of Conway and Mitchell. Matthew Forde has game-breaking potential but can be erratic in his form of play considering economy. Chase and Springer bowl rather slower variants very well, which is a necessary skill, given McLean Park’s low-spin deck.

Proposed XI

Campbell, Athanaze, Carty, Hope (c) (wk), Rutherford, Chase, Greaves, Shepherd, Forde, Springer, Seales

Pitch, Weather, Breakdown & Tactics

McLean Park is one of New Zealand's most famous cricket venues, which has a fast outfield, a grassy surface, and a true bounce after the ball settles.

• Average first innings score: 240
• A good competitive score just under 270

The early overs will cause discomfort, particularly under lights, while the ball leaps through to the position of a typical top-order batter, and if they set, strokes will generally enjoy the pace.

Toss Prediction: Bowl First

With rain threatening, which should make it simpler under lights, captains will likely bowl first. Fresh moisture should also assist the swing bowler first up.

Match Overview

New Zealand

• Better top-to-middle order
• A balanced attack
• Home advantage 

The West Indies

• One batter holding up at the crease for a large portion of the innings
• Jayden Seales taking early wickets 
• Capitalizing in the middle and back-end overs, but the willingness and ability to remain consistent is where New Zealand is stronger. They have also won 4 out of their last five ODIs against the West Indies and played far better in the first ODI. 

Win Prediction

Anticipate another challenge in terms of close competition; perhaps the challenge will be closer than the first ODI, but overall New Zealand will have more depth, more in-form players, and more adaptability to winning conditions, making them strong favorites. 

Prediction: New Zealand will win the 2nd ODI; New Zealand wins, series 2-0.

Winning Odds (via Stake.com)

A Midnight Challenge That Will Be Worth Staying Up For 

New Zealand is looking for dominance, whereas the West Indies is looking for redemption. The stage is set for Napier to deliver a midnight challenge that promises movement, momentum, and memorable moments. Regardless of whether you watch for love of the game, predicting the outcomes, or to simply enjoy late-night cricket, the stage is set for an intensity not to be missed in the opening ball.