New Zealand will host the West Indies for a five-match T20 International series. The Caribbean team, led by Shai Hope, enters the competition after a 3-0 sweep against Bangladesh. The series opener will be crucial preparation for both sides ahead of the upcoming Men's T20 World Cup.
Mitchell Santner will lead the Kiwis, who will be missing Tim Seifert due to injury. Wicketkeeper-batter Mitch Hay has been called up as Seifert's replacement.
Both teams aim to fine-tune their line-ups and strategies in this five-match contest. For the West Indies, recent form offers confidence, while New Zealand seeks to test emerging players and solidify their combinations before the global tournament.
“After defeating Bangladesh in their own backyard, Shai Hope's West Indies are all set to play a five-match T20I series against Mitchell Santner's New Zealand.”
Ravichandran Ashwin’s return to T20 cricket has been delayed, ruling him out of the Big Bash League 2025–26 season. Meanwhile, World Cup-winning captain Harmanpreet Kaur reflected on her father’s influence in her career, recalling how his kit bag played a key role in her early cricket journey.
Author’s summary: The New Zealand vs West Indies T20I opener marks a critical preparation phase for both teams ahead of the T20 World Cup, with key absences testing New Zealand’s squad depth.