The West Indies tour of New Zealand is in progress. The three-match Test series starts on 2nd December 2025 at Hagley Oval in Christchurch, after the recently finished ODI series. Fans are eager to see how both teams perform in the longer format following the limited-overs games.
New Zealand enters the Tests with confidence after winning the ODI series. They will aim to carry their winning streak into the red-ball format and keep their home advantage.
The West Indies are ready to take on the hosts and make a mark. This article will discuss the 1st Test, including predictions, odds, and match details.
New Zealand vs West Indies 1st Test – Match Details
The match will take place at Hagley Oval in Christchurch, and the key match details are provided below.
| Match | New Zealand vs West Indies, First Test match |
| Date | 02-06 December 2025 |
| Venue | Hagley Oval, Christchurch |
| Time | 11:00 AM (Local) |
New Zealand & West Indies – Squads
New Zealand and West Indies have announced strong squads for the Test series, and the squads for the first Test are listed below.
New Zealand Squad
Kane Williamson, Will Young, Michael Bracewell, Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, Zakary Foulkes, Mitchell Santner, Nathan Smith, Tom Latham(C), Tom Blundell(WK), Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Blair Tickner
West Indies Squad
Alick Athanaze, Tangerine Chandarpaul, Kavem Hodge, Brandon King, JohnCampbell, Justin Greaves, Roston Chase(C), Shai Hope(WK), Tevin Imlach(WK), Jomel Warrican, Johann Layne, Anderson Phillip, Kemar Roach, Johann Layne, Anderson Phillip, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales, Ojay Shields
The return of Kane Williamson is the highlight of New Zealand’s squad announcement, while Daryl Mitchell has also recovered from a minor groin injury, making both key additions for the hosts.
On the other hand, West Indies, led by newly appointed red-ball skipper Roston Chase, have selected a squad blending experience with young talent. They will aim for a strong performance and a big comeback against the hosts during the tour.
New Zealand vs West Indies 1st Test – Pitch & Weather Report
The first Test between New Zealand and West Indies will be played from 2nd to 6th December 2025 at Hagley Oval, Christchurch.
Fans can expect an exciting contest as both teams aim to start the series strongly. The pitch and weather conditions will play a key role in how the match unfolds.
Pitch Report
Hagley Oval generally favors seamers early on, with the grassy surface offering some movement. As the Test progresses, the pitch tends to flatten, giving batters a good chance to build big innings. By the later days, it becomes more balanced, and spinners may also get some assistance.
Weather Report
Early December in Christchurch is usually mild, with daytime temperatures around 20–21°C and cooler nights near 11–12°C. There may be occasional light showers, but most days are expected to be sunny and comfortable for cricket. Weather could slightly affect play, especially if rain interrupts sessions.
New Zealand vs West Indies: Head-to-Head In Test Matches
New Zealand and West Indies have faced each other in 49 matches in Test cricket history.
| Matches | 49 |
| New Zealand win | 17 |
| West Indies win | 13 |
| Drawn | 19 |
The hosts lead the series with 17 wins, while the West Indies have won 13 matches, and the remaining 19 encounters ended in a draw.
Players To Watch: New Zealand vs West Indies 1st Test
Several key players are expected to have a big impact in the NZ vs WI 1st Test. From seasoned leaders to bowlers in good form, these players could affect the outcome and provide thrilling moments for fans.
| Player | Reason |
|---|---|
| Kane Williamson (NZ) | Leader and experienced batter who can anchor the innings. |
| Mitchell Santner (NZ) | Spin-bowling allrounder and handy with the bat in lower middle-order. |
| Matt Henry (NZ) | Strike bowler expected to provide early breakthroughs with pace and accuracy. |
| Roston Chase (WI) | Skipper and all-rounder, crucial for both batting and bowling. |
| Justin Greaves (WI) | Hard-hitting batter and medium pacer who can change the game quickly in crucial situations. |
| Jayden Seales (WI) | Young fast bowler capable of unsettling top-order batters with pace and bounce. |
Winner Prediction
New Zealand enters the 1st Test with a strong home advantage. Familiar conditions, a supportive crowd, and experience at Hagley Oval give the hosts confidence. Their recent performance in red-ball cricket, along with key players like Kane Williamson and Matt Henry, makes them solid contenders to start the series with a win.
The West Indies, while skilled and eager to make their mark, face challenges in adjusting to foreign conditions. The visitors will need standout performances from Roston Chase and Jayden Seales to beat the home team and pull off an upset in Christchurch.
Winning & Toss Odds For NZ vs WI 1st Test
Here are the latest winning and toss odds for the New Zealand vs West Indies 1st Test from major betting platforms. These odds show how bookmakers see both teams’ chances before the opening match in Christchurch.
| Platform | New Zealand Africa Win Odds | West Indies Win Odds | Toss Odds (New Zealand) | Toss Odds (West Indies) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1xBet | 1.29 | 8.00 | 1.90 | 2.10 |
| 4rabet | 1.10 | 8.00 | 1.85 | 1.95 |
| BetVibe | 1.29 | 7.50 | 1.83 | 2.00 |
| Stake | 1.29 | 7.90 | 1.90 | 2.00 |
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Conclusion: NZ vs WI 2025: 3-Test Series Set To Start From 2 December!
The New Zealand vs West Indies 1st Test will be played from 2nd to 6th December 2025 at Hagley Oval, Christchurch. This opening match of the three-Test series promises an exciting start, with both teams aiming to set the tone for the series. Fans can look forward to competitive cricket and thrilling moments over the five days.
New Zealand enjoys a strong home advantage and comes in with confidence after the recently concluded ODI series. The familiar conditions and supportive crowd give them an edge to begin the series positively.
The West Indies, while determined to challenge the hosts, face the task of adjusting to foreign conditions. A strong performance is needed from the visitors if they hope to make an impact and gain momentum for the rest of the series.
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