New Zealand vs West Indies – 2nd Test Preview (December 9, 2025)

Match Details

• Teams: New Zealand vs West Indies
• Format: Test Match
• Date & Time: Tuesday, December 9, 2025, 22:00 GMT (03:30 AM IST)
• Venue: Basin Reserve, Wellington
• Series: West Indies Tour of New Zealand 2025
• Series Format: 3-Test Series
• Series Status: First Test (Dec 2, 2025) at Hagley Oval, Christchurch

Match Overview

The second Test of the 2025 West Indies tour of New Zealand is set to take place at the historic Basin Reserve in Wellington on December 9, 2025. The match promises to be a tightly contested affair as both teams look to gain momentum in the three-match Test series.

New Zealand, traditionally a strong home side, will be buoyed by the support of the home crowd at one of their most iconic venues. The Basin Reserve is known for its balanced conditions, offering spin and pace in equal measure, which could play a pivotal role in the outcome of the match.

The West Indies, under new leadership and with a revamped squad, will be eager to prove their mettle in Test cricket against one of the most consistent teams in the format. The Caribbean side will be banking on their pace battery and batting depth to trouble the Kiwis on a surface that could assist seam and spin over the course of the game.

Team News & Probable Lineups

New Zealand

• Captain: Kane Williamson (likely)
• Key Players:
  • Kane Williamson: The experienced skipper is the cornerstone of New Zealand’s batting.
  • Tim Southee and Lockie Ferguson: Pace duo with Test experience and ability to extract movement.
  • Ajaz Patel: The leg-spinner who once took a world record 10 wickets in an innings.
• Injuries/Unavailable: None reported as of now.
• Probable XI:
  • Trent Boult, Kyle Jamieson, Southee, Williamson (c), Ross Taylor, Daryl Mitchell, Will Young, Ferguson, Patel, Tom Latham, BJ Watling

West Indies

• Captain: Rovman Powell (likely)
• Key Players:
  • Shai Hope: The experienced opener who provides stability in the top order.
  • Rovman Powell: A versatile middle-order batsman and part-time off-spinner.
  • Alzarri Joseph and Kemar Roach: The pace attack duo with international experience.
• Injuries/Unavailable: None reported as of now.
• Probable XI:
  • Shai Hope, Rovman Powell (c), Brandon King, Kraigg Brathwaite, Alick Athanaze, Daryn Dupavillon, Kemar Roach, Alzarri Joseph, Rahkeem Cornwall, Hayden Walsh Jr., Roston Chase

Venue & Pitch Conditions

Basin Reserve, Wellington is a classic Test venue that has hosted several memorable matches over the years. The pitch typically offers good bounce and carries well in the early days, with spin becoming more prominent as the game progresses. The wicket is known to assist all-round, making it a true Test-playing surface.

With the match starting on a Tuesday, the toss could be a crucial factor. The team winning the toss might prefer to bowl first if the pitch shows signs of early assistance for seam. However, chasing on a deteriorating surface later in the match could also be a viable option.

Head-to-Head & Series Context

New Zealand holds a psychological advantage in this series, given their historical dominance at home. However, the West Indies are a resilient side and have shown improvement in recent Test series. The result of the first Test at Christchurch will have a bearing on the dynamics of this second Test, especially in terms of confidence and momentum.

Both teams will be eager to avoid a drawn series and set the tone for the final Test in Mount Maunganui.

Prediction & Expectations

This Test promises to be a classic battle of skill and endurance. New Zealand, with their depth in batting and bowling, are slight favorites, especially at home. However, the West Indies, if they can capitalize on early wickets and maintain discipline, could give the hosts a real fight.

Prediction: A closely contested match that could result in a draw or a narrow win for New Zealand.

How to Watch

• Live Streaming: FanCode (Official Broadcaster)
• Live Score & Commentary: Available on cricket websites such as ESPNcricinfo, Cricbuzz, and FlashScore.
• Time Zone:
  • Wellington Time: 10:00 AM
  • GMT: 22:00
  • IST: 03:30 AM

Final Thoughts

The second Test between New Zealand and the West Indies at Basin Reserve is a must-watch for cricket fans. The combination of a classic venue, competitive teams, and potentially challenging conditions sets the stage for an exciting and unpredictable match. Both sides will be looking to make a statement, and fans can expect a thrilling contest of Test cricket at its best.
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