West Indies vs New Zealand Prediction, 1st ODI – Who will win today’s match between WI vs NZ?

West Indies (WI) will host New Zealand (NZ) in the first ODI of the five-match series at Providence Stadium in Guyana on Sunday, July 12. Both teams will be eager to make a strong start to the series after enduring disappointing results in their most recent ODI assignments.

The West Indies are coming into the contest after a 1-0 series defeat to Sri Lanka at home. While the opening ODI ended in a 41-run loss, the remaining two matches were washed out due to rain, denying the hosts an opportunity to level the series.

New Zealand, meanwhile, suffered a 2-1 ODI series defeat against Bangladesh away from home. After winning the opening match by 26 runs, the Black Caps lost the next two games and failed to close out the series.

The surface at Providence Stadium generally offers a balanced contest between bat and ball. Fast bowlers are likely to enjoy some movement with the new ball, especially during the early stages of the innings, while the spinners could come into play as the match progresses.

Ackeem Auguste, John Campbell, Keacy Carty, Shai Hope (c & wk), Sherfane Rutherford, Justin Greaves, Roston Chase, Gudakesh Motie, Alzarri Joseph, Jayden Seales, Shamar Joseph

Will Young, Henry Nicholls, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Nathan Smith, Jacob Duffy, Ben Lister, Matthew Fisher

Shai Hope could be the key batter in this clash. The West Indies skipper has been one of the team's most dependable ODI batters over the years and will be expected to anchor the innings at the top. His ability to play long knocks and handle pressure could prove crucial in helping the hosts get off to a winning start.

Mitchell Santner could be the standout bowler in this encounter. The left-arm spinner has consistently delivered breakthroughs in the middle overs while also keeping the run flow under control. On a surface that is expected to assist spin as the game progresses, Santner could play a decisive role for the visitors.