New Zealand vs West Indies Prediction: Who Will Win 1st Test Match on 2nd December 2025?
The highly anticipated Test series between New Zealand and West Indies begins at Hagley Oval, Christchurch, and this clash sets the tone for the remaining two matches. In this extensive New Zealand vs West Indies prediction, we break down team form, player strengths, historical trends, conditions, and the likely match outcome. New Zealand enter this contest on a strong run of Test form, targeting their fourth successive victory in red-ball cricket. Their dominance over the West Indies in recent years provides even more confidence, having won the last five head-to-head Test matches, most of them in emphatic fashion.
For West Indies, this match represents an opportunity to change the narrative. They have not won a Test in New Zealand since 1995, and their recent red-ball struggles have been significant, with five consecutive losses heading into this tour. Despite this, the side features talented individuals capable of turning sessions in their favour. With the Ashes occupying global spotlight, both New Zealand and West Indies aim to capture attention by opening the series with competitive cricket.
The last time these sides met in a Test match was in 2020, where New Zealand dominated both fixtures with innings victories. The tourists will need major contributions from their seniors and immediate impact from young and debuting players if they want to challenge the hosts. On the other hand, New Zealand’s familiarity with conditions, depth across departments, and stable Test structure make them favourites.
This long-form New Zealand vs West Indies prediction covers match details, team previews, fantasy picks, key stats, pitch report, weather forecast, and FAQs to help you understand the complete match scenario.
Match Details
| Match | New Zealand vs West Indies, 1st Test 2025 |
|---|---|
| Date | Tuesday, 2 December 2025 |
| Time | 3:30 AM IST |
| Venue | Hagley Oval, Christchurch |
Team Previews
New Zealand Preview
New Zealand begin this three-Test series with confidence and stability. Their Test structure has remained strong for years, built around disciplined batting and a well-rounded attack. Tom Latham leads the side, and his calm approach is suited for home conditions. At the top, the selection choice between Devon Conway and Will Young gives New Zealand flexibility—Conway offers left-handed solidity, while Young provides dependable technique and consistent temperament.
The middle order is New Zealand’s strongest suit. Kane Williamson continues to be the centrepiece of their batting unit, with Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell offering balance, intent, and adaptability against spin and pace. Tom Blundell remains one of the most reliable wicketkeeper-batters in Test cricket and often contributes crucial runs during lower-order partnerships.
The all-round department is strengthened by Mitchell Santner, who is expected to play ahead of Michael Bracewell. Santner brings valuable control with his left-arm spin and can bat crucial runs in the lower-middle order. The seam attack is led by Matt Henry, one of the best red-ball bowlers in home conditions. Alongside him, Zak Foulkes and Blair Tickner provide pace, bounce, and variation.
New Zealand’s home dominance in Tests over the past decade has come from their relentless consistency—disciplined lines, exploiting movement, deep batting resilience, and fielding excellence. With a settled squad and strong recent form, New Zealand enter this Test as overwhelming favourites.
West Indies Preview
West Indies arrive in Christchurch with a point to prove. Their performance across formats on this tour hasn’t been encouraging, having lost the T20I and ODI series already. However, the Test format offers them a fresh start and an opportunity to salvage pride. The side has struggled significantly in red-ball cricket over the last year, with losses against India and Australia highlighting the gulf between potential and execution.
Their batting lineup features talent but lacks consistent partnerships. John Campbell and Tagenarine Chanderpaul form an interesting opening pair, with Campbell offering aggression and Chanderpaul offering patience. Alick Athanaze adds youth and attacking flair, while Shai Hope is the most technical and experienced Test batter in this squad. West Indies will depend heavily on him to stabilize the innings.
Captain Roston Chase brings all-round strength, though his batting form will need to be at its best for the tourists to compete. Tevin Imlach and Justin Greaves add depth to the middle order. The biggest focus, however, will be their bowlers—Kemar Roach remains the spearhead of the attack with his ability to exploit seam and bounce. Jayden Seales, known for his pace and discipline, is expected to partner him with the new ball. The debut of 29-year-old Ojay Shields adds excitement to the lineup.
For West Indies to challenge New Zealand, their bowlers must strike early, and their batters must find a way to survive long spells from the Kiwi quicks. A strong start is essential to stay competitive in this Test.
Team Squads
New Zealand Squad:
Tom Latham (c), Tom Blundell, Kane Williamson, Devon Conway, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner, Zak Foulkes, Nathan Smith, Matt Henry, Blair Tickner.
West Indies Squad:
John Campbell, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Alick Athanaze, Shai Hope, Kavem Hodge, Roston Chase (c), Tevin Imlach, Justin Greaves, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales, Ojay Shields.
Probable Playing XI
| New Zealand | West Indies |
|---|---|
| Tom Latham (c) | John Campbell |
| Devon Conway | Tagenarine Chanderpaul |
| Kane Williamson | Alick Athanaze |
| Rachin Ravindra | Shai Hope |
| Daryl Mitchell | Roston Chase (c) |
| Tom Blundell (wk) | Tevin Imlach |
| Mitchell Santner | Justin Greaves |
| Zak Foulkes | Kemar Roach |
| Nathan Smith | Jayden Seales |
| Matt Henry | Ojay Shields |
| Blair Tickner | Kavem Hodge |
Dream11 Prediction for Today New Zealand vs West Indies 1st Test
| Role | Player |
|---|---|
| WK | Tom Blundell |
| BAT | Kane Williamson |
| BAT | Tom Latham |
| BAT | Shai Hope |
| ALL | Daryl Mitchell |
| ALL | Roston Chase |
| ALL | Mitchell Santner |
| BOWL | Matt Henry |
| BOWL | Jayden Seales |
| BOWL | Kemar Roach |
| BOWL | Blair Tickner |
Build your fantasy side around reliability and guaranteed involvement. Tom Blundell is a valuable wicketkeeper choice because he scores consistently in home Tests and takes many catches behind the stumps. Kane Williamson and Tom Latham form the backbone of New Zealand’s batting, while Shai Hope is the most dependable Test batter for West Indies.
Daryl Mitchell offers dual value—solid batting and the ability to bowl short spells if required. Roston Chase becomes an excellent fantasy pick as he contributes with the bat and bowls long spells with his off-spin if conditions favour him. Mitchell Santner adds crucial lower-order runs and left-arm spin value.
In the bowling department, Matt Henry is the top pick due to his lethal record at home. Kemar Roach and Jayden Seales are West Indies’ best wicket-taking options, while Blair Tickner is known to extract bounce at Hagley Oval.
Captain & Vice-Captain Picks
- Captain: Kane Williamson
- Vice-Captain: Matt Henry
Players to Avoid
- Ojay Shields (debutant uncertainty)
- Justin Greaves (inconsistent Test contributions)
Also Check: Get The Best Dream11 Prediction From Cricket Experts
Favourite Team Today
New Zealand are the clear favourites due to their exceptional home record, strong batting depth, and a powerful pace attack tailor-made for Christchurch conditions. Their top order—Latham, Williamson, Ravindra, Mitchell—brings world-class stability, capable of batting long sessions and posting match-winning totals. Their bowling attack is equally strong, with Henry, Tickner, and Foulkes possessing skills that exploit seam and swing movement at Hagley Oval.
West Indies, although talented, have struggled in red-ball cricket recently. Their batting inconsistencies and lack of sustained partnerships make them vulnerable on challenging tracks. Their bowlers can trouble New Zealand in patches, but the lack of a specialist frontline spinner and inexperienced middle-order places them at a disadvantage.
Overall, New Zealand’s balance, depth, conditions advantage, and recent dominance over West Indies make them heavy favourites for this match.
New Zealand Test History
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches | 480 |
| Won | 121 |
| Lost | 189 |
| Draw | 170 |
New Zealand have grown into a strong Test nation, especially dominant at home over the past decade.
West Indies Test History
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches | 589 |
| Won | 185 |
| Lost | 221 |
| Draw | 182 |
| Tied | 1 |
West Indies were once world beaters, but their modern Test performances have fluctuated significantly.
Head-to-Head Record (Tests)
| Matches | NZ Wins | WI Wins | Draw |
|---|---|---|---|
| 49 | 17 | 13 | 19 |
New Zealand hold a clear edge, winning the last five Tests convincingly.
Pitch Report
Hagley Oval offers seam-friendly conditions, especially during the first two days, when morning cloud cover and fresh grass aid swing and lateral movement. Fast bowlers enjoy excellent carry and bounce here. Batting becomes easier from Day 2 afternoon onward as the surface settles, with some turn developing for spinners from Day 4. Teams batting first aim for 350+ to stay competitive. However, early wickets can quickly shift momentum. Expect a result-oriented pitch with opportunities for both pacers and patient batters.
Weather Report
Christchurch is expected to have cool and slightly breezy weather with mild cloud cover. Light showers may interrupt short passages, but overall the Test should see near full play across all five days.
Broadcast Details
The New Zealand vs West Indies 1st Test will be streamed live on Amazon Prime Video. Match coverage, highlights, and analysis will also be available across official cricket broadcasting platforms globally.
Toss Prediction
New Zealand are likely to win the toss and may choose to bowl first to utilize early seam and swing. However, if the surface appears dry and firm, batting first could also be an option to post a dominant total.
Probable Top Batsmen & Bowlers
Top Batsmen:
Kane Williamson remains the safest bet for a big score, given his exceptional home record and technique. Tom Latham is another strong contender, especially against the new ball. For West Indies, Shai Hope carries the biggest responsibility; his calm technique makes him the most likely to score heavily.
Top Bowlers:
Matt Henry is expected to dominate on a seam-friendly wicket. Blair Tickner’s bounce and movement also make him a threat. For West Indies, Kemar Roach’s experience and ability to nip the ball both ways will be crucial. Jayden Seales’ sharp pace may trouble New Zealand in the first spell.
Score Prediction
- If New Zealand Bat First: 378+
- If West Indies Bat First: 150+
Match Prediction
New Zealand are expected to win the 1st Test comprehensively. Their balanced squad, superior red-ball form, and home advantage give them a significant edge. West Indies will need an extraordinary batting effort and early breakthroughs to challenge the Black Caps. Realistically, New Zealand should secure a comfortable victory and go 1–0 up in the series.
Also, once the toss takes place, we might modify the Today Match Prediction as per the playing XIs. Please check this blog after the toss for the updated Prediction.
FAQ – NZ vs WI 1st Test
Who will win the 1st Test?
New Zealand are strong favourites to win.
Where is the match being played?
Hagley Oval, Christchurch.
What time does the match start?
3:30 AM IST on 2 December 2025.
Who are the top fantasy picks?
Kane Williamson, Matt Henry, Shai Hope.
Who will be the best bowler for NZ?
Matt Henry is expected to lead the attack.
Who can score big for WI?
Shai Hope and Alick Athanaze.
Disclaimer: Predictions are for entertainment purposes only. We don’t get involved in or promote betting or gambling. Also, We strongly discourage behaviors of participating in illegal activities related to cricket. Our experts try to be as correct as possible, but we do not guarantee 100% correctness.
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