New Zealand vs West Indies T20I 3rd Match Preview – 9th November 2025

Match Details

• Date: Sunday, 9th November 2025
• Time: 00:15 GMT / 05:45 AM IST / 01:15 PM Local (NZST)
• Venue: Saxton Oval, Nelson
• Series: West Indies Tour of New Zealand 2025
• Format: T20I (3rd of 5)

Match Context

The 3rd T20I between New Zealand and the West Indies is set to be a fascinating contest as both teams aim to gain the upper hand in what has already proven to be a closely contested series. New Zealand claimed a narrow 3-run victory in the second T20I at Eden Park, bouncing back from a 7-run defeat in the opener. The West Indies, led by the ever-reliable Shai Hope and the explosive Rovman Powell, will be eager to level the series and maintain their momentum in the final frontier of the competition.

Teams in Focus

New Zealand

New Zealand is coming off a crucial win in the second match, where Mark Chapman's aggressive batting and Kyle Jamieson's composure in the final over proved to be the difference. The Kiwis have a well-balanced side, with experienced batters like Devon Conway and Tim Robinson complementing the firepower of Mark Chapman. In bowling, Jacob Duffy and Ish Sodhi have been consistent performers, and the all-round contributions from Jimmy Neesham and Michael Bracewell add depth to the team.

Despite the absence of Tim Seifert due to injury, the squad remains strong and adaptable. The Kiwis are likely to start the match as favorites due to their home advantage and the confidence from their recent win.

West Indies

The West Indies showed their mettle in the second game, chasing down 207 with just three runs to spare, thanks to Shai Hope’s calm leadership and Rovman Powell’s explosive finish. The West Indies have a potent batting lineup, with Hope, Powell, and Brandon King forming a powerful middle order. Jason Holder, the captain, leads by example with both bat and ball, and his experience could be pivotal in a tight encounter.

The West Indies have a history of thriving under pressure, and their ability to chase large totals has been a key strength in recent matches. With a balanced squad and a solid head-to-head record, they remain a strong contender for victory.

Key Players to Watch

New Zealand

• Tim Robinson: The Kiwis' top run-scorer in T20Is, Robinson has averaged 47.7 in his last ten games and is a reliable middle-order anchor.
• Jacob Duffy: A consistent T20I performer, Duffy has taken 28 wickets in 17 games at an economy rate of 7.4.
• Ish Sodhi: The leg-spinner has been a key wicket-taker for New Zealand, with an average of 28.5 and excellent economy.
• Kyle Jamieson: The tall pacer has shown his ability to deliver under pressure, particularly in the death overs.

West Indies

• Shai Hope: The West Indies’ skipper, Hope has been in sublime form this season, scoring 541 runs at an average of 38.6.
• Rovman Powell: A finisher with flair, Powell has a strike rate of 156.3 and has been instrumental in chasing down big totals.
• Jason Holder: A world-class all-rounder, Holder's ability to swing the match with his bowling and crucial contributions with the bat make him a key figure.
• Akeal Hosein: Provides crucial support with both bat and ball, Hosein has been a consistent performer in the middle overs.

Venue Insights – Saxton Oval, Nelson

The Saxton Oval has been a batting-friendly venue in recent T20Is, with teams batting first winning all matches since 2022. The average first-innings score at the venue in 2025 has been around 190, with dew making conditions tricky for bowlers in the second innings.

This favors the West Indies, who are stronger in the chase, but New Zealand’s home advantage and the presence of spinners like Ish Sodhi could level the playing field.

Head-to-Head and Series Standings

• Series Scoreline: New Zealand 1 – West Indies 1 (2 matches played)
• All-time T20I record: West Indies lead 11-10 in the T20I history
• Recent form: New Zealand has won the last two meetings in New Zealand, but the West Indies have been strong in high-pressure chases.

Prediction and Key Battle

This T20I promises to be a tight, high-scoring affair. New Zealand will look to set a challenging total, while the West Indies will aim to chase it down aggressively. The key battle will be between the Kiwis’ spinners and the West Indies’ middle-order batters, particularly Hope and Powell.

Prediction: A thrilling contest, but the West Indies might edge it with their chase, given their recent form.

Winning Prediction: West Indies by 5-6 runs

Match Start

Keep an eye out for the toss at 00:15 GMT / 01:15 PM NZST as the battle between two of the most competitive T20 sides in the world kicks off at the Saxton Oval.
“`