New Zealand vs West Indies 1st ODI - MATCH PREVIEW

After a disappointing loss in Test series(0-2) by the hands of the Kiwis and some recent losses in Indian subcontinent, West Indies will surely like to get a momentum started. With all limited over format and new captain Dwayne Bravo, the team would like to shut the critics.

Adding to West Indies concern is the latest injury of Marlon Samuels. With star players like Chris Gayle and Pollard already missing the tournament, Samuels injury further added to West Indies concern. New Zealand pacers like Tim Southee will surely love to attack the West Indies poor batting line up. Shane Shillingford and Marlon Samuels’ bowling suspensions further added to their grievance.

The first clash of this five-match ODI series, which takes place in Auckland on Boxing Day tomorrow.
Venue: Eden Park, Auckland, NZ
Date: Thursday, December 26, 2013
Start time: 1:00 GMT

Meanwhile, Jesse Ryder is back for New Zealand which will add some attacking start to the hosts. Tim Southee recent form and Brendon McCullum experience will add to New Zealand strength. For West Indies Narsingh Deonarine and Nikita Miller will get chances to show what they can do. Also responsibility will lie on the shoulders of experienced members like of skipper Dwayne Bravo, former captain Darren Sammy and spin wizard Sunil Narine.

Auckland isn’t exactly a stronghold for New Zealand, however. They have won just 10 of the 28 ODIs contested there in the 21st century. The last time the West Indies visited, the match was rained off after the Kiwis posted 275.
Weather conditions seemed fine with a bright sunny day. Keeping recent form in mind, New Zealand will surely have an upper hand and will start as favorites tomorrow.

Squad:

New Zealand:

Brendon McCullum (capt), Corey Anderson, Martin Guptill, Mitchell McClenaghan, Nathan McCullum, Kyle Mills, Adam Milne, Colin Munro, James Neesham, Luke Ronchi, Jesse Ryder, Ross Taylor, Kane Williamson.

West Indies:

Dwayne Bravo (capt), Tino Best, Darren Bravo, Johnson Charles, Narsingh Deonarine, Kirk Edwards, Jason Holder, Nikita Miller, Sunil Narine, Kieran Powell, Denesh Ramdin, Ravi Rampaul, Darren Sammy, Marlon Samuels, Lendl Simmons.