West Indies will take on New Zealand in the first ODI of the five-match series at Providence Stadium in Guyana on Saturday, July 11. Both teams will use the series to test new combinations and continue their preparations for the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup.
West Indies have retained the core of their squad under head coach Daren Sammy. The hosts have also handed a maiden ODI call-up to 19-year-old left-arm wrist-spinner Vitel Lawes after his impressive performances at the Under-19 World Cup, where he picked up 10 wickets.
Mitchell Santner will lead a new-look New Zealand side that features several fresh faces. Fast bowler Jacob Duffy returns to the ODI squad, while uncapped seamer Matthew Fisher is in line to make his international debut during the series.
Both teams will look to make a strong start in the opening match. The West Indies will hope home conditions work in their favour, while New Zealand will aim to continue their recent dominance over the Caribbean side in ODI cricket.
West Indies vs New Zealand 1st ODI Match Details
Match: West Indies vs New Zealand, 1st ODI
Tournament: New Zealand tour of West Indies, 2026
Date: Saturday, July 11, 2026
Time: 2:30 PM LOCAL (12:00 AM IST)
Venue: Providence Stadium, Guyana
West Indies vs New Zealand 1st ODI Team News
West Indies will be without Shimron Hetmyer, who is unavailable due to his Major League Cricket commitments. All-rounder Shamar Springer also misses the series following a family bereavement, with Keemo Paul returning to the squad as his replacement.
Teenage left-arm wrist-spinner Vitel Lawes could make his ODI debut after earning his maiden call-up. He will work closely with the newly appointed spin-bowling coach during the home series.
New Zealand will also be without several key players. Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, Will O'Rourke, and Devon Conway are unavailable for the tour, forcing the visitors to field a relatively inexperienced squad.
Left-arm pacer Ben Lister has replaced the injured Ben Sears in the squad. He joins Jacob Duffy and Nathan Smith in the pace attack, while Mitchell Santner will lead the Black Caps throughout the five-match ODI series.
West Indies vs New Zealand 1st ODI Predicted Playing XI
West Indies: John Campbell, Justin Greaves, Shai Hope (C & WK), Keacy Carty, Sherfane Rutherford, Roston Chase, Romario Shepherd, Gudakesh Motie, Alzarri Joseph, Jayden Seales, Shamar Joseph
New Zealand: Tom Latham (WK), Will Young, Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (C), Nathan Smith, Jacob Duffy, Ben Lister, Matthew Fisher / Kristian Clarke
West Indies vs New Zealand 1st ODI Pitch Report
The Providence Stadium pitch usually offers a good balance between bat and ball. The average first-innings score is 216. Batters who spend time at the crease are rewarded, while spinners often get turn and grip during the middle overs.
West Indies vs New Zealand 1st ODI Weather Report
The weather in Guyana is expected to remain mostly clear, with only a slight chance of rain before the match. Temperatures will hover around 26°C during the evening. High humidity is likely to create dew later in the game, which could make chasing easier.
West Indies vs New Zealand 1st ODI Head-to-Head Record
New Zealand hold a narrow edge over West Indies in ODI cricket. The Black Caps have won 33 of their 71 meetings, while West Indies have registered 31 victories. Seven matches ended without a result. New Zealand have also won each of the last five ODIs against the Caribbean side.
West Indies vs New Zealand 1st ODI Key Battles to Watch
Shai Hope vs Mitchell Santner: West Indies captain Shai Hope has been in excellent ODI form and remains the backbone of the batting lineup. Mitchell Santner will look to keep him quiet with accurate left-arm spin on a pitch expected to assist slow bowlers.
Daryl Mitchell vs Gudakesh Motie: Daryl Mitchell is one of New Zealand's strongest players of spin and likes to attack from the start. Gudakesh Motie will aim to use his turn and accuracy to keep Mitchell under pressure.
Will Young vs Alzarri Joseph: Will Young will be vital for New Zealand at the top. Alzarri Joseph will look to make the most of the new ball by generating pace and movement in the humid conditions. An early wicket could put New Zealand under pressure.
West Indies vs New Zealand 1st ODI Players to Watch
West Indies
Shai Hope: The West Indies captain is the key batter in the lineup. His ability to build long innings and guide the middle order makes him the most important player for the hosts.
Shamar Joseph: The Guyanese fast bowler will enjoy bowling on his home ground. His pace, bounce, and aggression make him a genuine wicket-taking threat with the new ball.
Sherfane Rutherford: Rutherford is a dangerous finisher who can change the game in the final overs. He will look to use his power to clear the boundaries.
New Zealand
Daryl Mitchell: Mitchell carries extra responsibility in New Zealand's batting order. He has the ability to score quickly while batting deep into the innings.
Nathan Smith: The bowling all-rounder can contribute in both departments. His disciplined bowling and useful lower-order batting make him an important player for the visitors.
Ben Lister: The left-arm pacer adds variety to New Zealand's attack. If the conditions offer early swing, Lister could trouble the West Indies top order during the powerplay.
West Indies vs New Zealand 1st ODI Free Live Streaming & Telecast Details
Fans in the Caribbean can watch the match live on ESPN Caribbean. Online streaming will be available through Disney+ via the ESPN hub. In India, fans can watch the match live on the FanCode app and website.
West Indies vs New Zealand 1st ODI Match Prediction
New Zealand start the series as slight favorites. However, the hosts will back themselves to challenge the visitors with home conditions. The team that handles the middle overs better is likely to win the opening ODI.
