T20 World Cup 2024: Match 26, WI vs NZ Match Prediction – Who will win today’s T20 World Cup match between WI vs NZ?

Co-hosts West Indies (WI) will square off against New Zealand (NZ) in the 26th match of the T20 World Cup 2024, at the Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad, on (Thursday) June 13.

The Rovman Powell-led side won their first two games of the tournament against Papua New Guinea and Uganda at the Providence Stadium in Guyana. In their first game against Papua New Guinea, Powell and Co. ran through the opposition batting order restricting them to 136/8, and later chased down the target and won the game by five wickets and an over to spare.

In their last game against Uganda, batting first, West Indies posted a total of 173/5. It was not their batting that won them the game but it was their bowling, especially from Akeal Hosein who picked five wickets and helped his side register a 134-run victory.

On the other hand for New Zealand, the forthcoming game will be their second match of the event. Notably, the BlackCaps suffered a huge upset in their first game against Afghanistan as they were bowled out for 75 runs while chasing a target of 160 runs. Eventually, the Afghan side won the game by a huge margin of 84 runs.

Match Details:

Brian Lara Stadium, Trinidad Pitch Report 

The pitch at the Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad is known for its sluggish nature, making it one of the slower surfaces in the Caribbean region. The batters often find it challenging to score a substantial total on this surface. The slow nature of the pitch favours the spinners, who can extract significant turn and bounce, making it helpful for them to give the ball a rip. Out of the seven matches played at this venue, the team batting first has emerged victorious on three occasions, while the team batting second has won the remaining four matches. The average first-inning score at this ground stands at 161 runs. The team that wins the toss will bowl first.

WI vs NZ Head-to-Head Record

WI vs NZ Probable Playing XIs

West Indies (WI): 

Brandon King, Johnson Charles, Nicholas Pooran(wk), Roston Chase, Rovman Powell(c), Sherfane Rutherford, Andre Russell, Romario Shepherd, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Gudakesh Motie

New Zealand (NZ):

Finn Allen, Devon Conway (wk), Kane Williamson (c), Michael Bracewell, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Philips, Mark Chapman, Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry

WI vs NZ Probable Best Players of the Match

Probable Best Batter of the Match:

Johnson Charles could be the best batter in the upcoming game against New Zealand. The right-hand opener looked in great touch in their previous fixture against Uganda, scoring 44 runs from 42 balls to help place his team in a comfortable position. The 35-year-old has featured in 53 T20Is and has scored 1,206 runs at a strike rate of 132.23. His performance will be crucial in the upcoming match against a star-studded Kiwi side.

Check Here: T20 World Cup 2024 Most Runs

Probable Best Bowler of the Match:

Akeal Hosein could be the best bowler in the upcoming fixture against New Zealand. The 31-year-old spinner is coming off a sensational performance against Uganda, ending with his career-best figures of 5/11. Hosein is the highest wicket-taker for West Indies in the marquee event with six wickets.

Check Here: T20 World Cup 2024 Most Wickets

Today's Match Prediction: Team bowling first to win the match

Scenario 1

West Indies win the toss and opt to bowl first.

Power Play Score: 35-45

First Innings Score: 155-165

West Indies win the match

Scenario 2

New Zealand win the toss and opt to bowl first.

Power Play score: 45-55

First Innings Score: 165-175

New Zealand win the match

Disclaimer: The prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.