The Test action continues as New Zealand takes on the West Indies at the beautiful Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui. After a convincing victory in the previous match at Basin Reserve, the hosts will be looking to maintain their dominance. On the other hand, the Windies showed sparks of brilliance through Justin Greaves and Shai Hope but need a collective effort to level the contest.
For fantasy fans, this match offers a great mix of reliable veterans and exciting young talent. Let’s dive into the match details, pitch report, and player analysis to help you build a winning team on AI11.
Match Details
- Series: West Indies in New Zealand TEST
- Match: New Zealand vs West Indies
- Venue: Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui
- Date & Time: Dec 17, 2025, 10:00 PM (Local Time adjustment required)
Weather Report
Mount Maunganui in December is typically pleasant as it is the start of the New Zealand summer. The forecast suggests temperatures hovering between 18°C and 23°C. Being a coastal venue, a consistent breeze is expected, which often aids swing bowlers, especially in the first session. While there might be some cloud cover, the probability of heavy rain disrupting the entire match is low. However, overcast conditions could make batting tricky against the moving ball.
Pitch Report: Bay Oval
Bay Oval is generally a good sporting wicket. The stats from the last three matches show a balanced contest between bat and ball:
- Average Runs: ~300
- Pacer Wickets: 50
- Spinner Wickets: 42
Pacers tend to enjoy the conditions early on with the new ball, while the pitch usually flattens out for batting on Days 2 and 3. Spinners come into play as the game progresses and the pitch wears down. Given the stats, having a mix of seamers and technically sound batters is the right strategy.
Team News & Injury Updates
New Zealand: The Kiwis are in fine form. Rachin Ravindra has been sensational with the bat, and Jacob Duffy has led the bowling attack impressively. Kane Williamson remains the backbone of their batting lineup.
West Indies: The visitors will rely heavily on Justin Greaves, who has been their standout performer with both bat and ball. Kemar Roach brings experience to the bowling attack, while Shai Hope needs to convert his starts into big hundreds.
Key Players to Watch
Top Wicketkeepers
Tom Latham: A solid opener who accumulates runs patiently. He has scored 169 runs in the series so far and provides steady points at the top of the order.
Shai Hope: The most consistent batter for the Windies recently, with 196 runs in the series. His technique is well suited for New Zealand conditions.
All Rounders
Rachin Ravindra: The star of the show. With 179 runs in the series and the ability to bowl useful overs, he is a must have in your fantasy team. His recent form makes him a top captaincy candidate.
Justin Greaves: He has been a revelation for the West Indies, scoring 202 runs and picking up 2 wickets in the series. He offers immense value because he contributes in both innings.
Michael Bracewell: A handy option who can score quick runs down the order and pick up crucial wickets with his off spin.
Batters
Kane Williamson: Class is permanent. Williamson is always a safe pick in Test cricket due to his ability to play long innings. He averages over 100 fantasy points in this series context.
Will Young: A solid middle order option who can stabilize the innings if early wickets fall.
Bowlers
Jacob Duffy: The pacer has been lethal, picking up 8 wickets in the series. He exploits the seam movement at home venues very well.
Kemar Roach: The veteran pacer has 7 wickets in the series and knows how to bowl in these conditions. He is WI's best bet for early breakthroughs.
Ojay Shields: A budget friendly bowling option who has picked up 4 wickets recently and can be a differential pick.
Captaincy & Vice Captaincy Picks
- Safe Captain: Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson
- Safe Vice Captain: Justin Greaves, Tom Latham
- Risky/Differential: Jacob Duffy, Shai Hope
Expert Fantasy Tips
- Focus on Top Order: In New Zealand, the top 3 batters often face the toughest conditions, but once set, they score big. Williamson and Latham are technically equipped to survive.
- All Round Value: Justin Greaves is a goldmine for fantasy points because he bats in the middle order and bowls medium pace, keeping him involved throughout the match.
- Pace over Spin: While spinners do take wickets here (42 in last 3 games), pacers (50 wickets) are more likely to get bulk wickets with the new ball. Prioritize seamers like Duffy and Roach.
Good luck with your contests! Make sure to check the final lineups after the toss before locking in your team.
