NZ vs WI 1st Test Match Preview – The long-format contest begins as New Zealand hosts the West Indies in the first of a three-match Test series, starting on Tuesday, December 2nd, at the pace-friendly Hagley Oval. The series marks the start of New Zealand’s campaign in the new ICC World Test Championship cycle (2025-27) and promises a fierce battle between the home side’s batting firepower and the West Indies’ rejuvenated seam attack.
The Black Caps welcome back their talisman, Kane Williamson, providing a massive boost to their top order stability. While New Zealand has recently dominated the West Indies in white-ball cricket, the longest format demands discipline and resilience, areas where the West Indies, led by all-rounder Roston Chase, will aim to challenge the hosts in foreign conditions.
NZ vs WI 1st Test Match Details
| Feature | Details |
| Match | New Zealand vs West Indies, 1st Test |
| Series | West Indies tour of New Zealand, 2025 |
| Date | Tuesday, December 02, 2025 |
| Time | 03:30 AM IST (10:00 AM Local Time) |
| Venue | Hagley Oval, Christchurch |
| Live Telecast | FanCode |
NZ vs WI 1st Test Head-to-Head (Test Cricket)
Historically, New Zealand holds a strong overall advantage, which is significantly amplified when playing at home, where they have lost only 7 of 31 Tests against the West Indies. The tourists have struggled heavily in New Zealand in recent times, losing their last three series on Kiwi soil by 0-2 margins.
| Total Matches | New Zealand Won | West Indies Won | Draw |
| 49 | 17 | 13 | 19 |
NZ vs WI 1st Test Pitch Report: Hagley Oval, Christchurch
The pitch at Hagley Oval is renowned as a seamer’s paradise, particularly early in the match.
Pace & Seam: The surface typically features a visible layer of grass, offering considerable seam movement and carry, especially on Day 1 and Day 2. Seamers who hit a consistent good length, like Matt Henry and Kemar Roach, will be the biggest threats.
Batting: Batting is extremely challenging in the opening sessions, making the first innings crucial. However, the pitch tends to flatten out, making stroke-play easier from Day 3 onwards.
Toss Strategy: Historically, teams bowling first have enjoyed more success at this venue due to the overcast conditions and assistance for the quicks. The captain winning the toss will likely choose to bowl first.
NZ vs WI 1st Test Weather Report
The weather forecast for Christchurch on Day 1 is mixed, suggesting conditions that favor the bowling side.
Temperature: A cool day is expected, with the maximum temperature reaching around $17^{\circ}\text{C}$.
Rain Threat: There is a 45% chance of light rain forecast for Tuesday, December 2nd, which could lead to interruptions throughout the first day’s play. Overcast skies would naturally increase swing and seam movement.
Outlook: Rain remains a possibility for Day 3, but the overall cool and potentially humid conditions will be conducive to swing bowling.
NZ vs WI 1st Test Probable Playing11
Given the green-top expectations at Hagley Oval, both teams are likely to field four-pronged pace attacks, minimizing the role of specialist spin.
New Zealand (NZ): Tom Latham (c), Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Will Young, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (wk), Michael Bracewell, Rachin Ravindra, Matt Henry, Blair Tickner, Jacob Duffy.
(Note: Mitchell Santner, Nathan Smith, and Zak Foulkes provide options, but Bracewell/Ravindra often cover the lone spinner role in New Zealand’s 4-2 combination.)
West Indies (WI): John Campbell, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Brandon King, Shai Hope (wk), Alick Athanaze, Kavem Hodge, Roston Chase (c), Johann Layne, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales, Anderson Phillip.
(Note: Jomel Warrican may feature if the management prefers a specialist spinner over a fourth pacer/Layne, but given the conditions, four seamers are expected.)
NZ vs WI 1st Test Match Prediction
New Zealand comes into this series with superior Test match experience, a higher ranking (5th vs 8th), and a formidable home record. The return of Kane Williamson significantly bolsters their already strong batting core featuring Tom Latham and Devon Conway.
The key to this match, however, rests with the fast bowlers. While West Indies’ Kemar Roach and Jayden Seales are world-class seamers who will relish the conditions, New Zealand’s pace battery (Henry, Duffy, Tickner) is more acclimatized and consistently lethal on home pitches.
The batting unit’s ability to navigate the swing will be the deciding factor. Given New Zealand’s deep batting order and the history of West Indies struggling against the moving ball in the past, the hosts have a clear advantage.
Prediction: New Zealand to win the 1st Test.
