WI-W vs NZ-W Match Prediction, 1st T20I – Who will win today’s match?

The five-match T20I series between West Indies and New Zealand is set to get underway in North Sound, Antigua, on September 28. New Zealand have the bragging rights as they won the ODI series 2-1 earlier in the month. West Indies, on the other hand, will look to carry the momentum after salvaging a win in the last match of the series.

The two teams have met 18 times in T20Is, and the Kiwis have a superior record of 13-4. This is their first meeting since March 2018, and also West Indies’ first T20I since September 2021. New Zealand last played in the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, where they finished third. 

Match Details

Venue: Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, North Sound, Antigua
Date and Time: September 28, 11:00 PM IST
Where to Watch: FanCode

Pitch Report

Sir Vivian Richards Stadium generally offers an even contest between bat and ball. It is known to get tougher to bat on in the second innings with the wicket getting slower and offering more turn. Out of the 13 T20Is that the venue has hosted, teams batting first won nine times, while the teams chasing won it four times. Hence, it is likely that the team winning the toss would bat first and put runs on the board.

Probable Playing XIs

West Indies Women

Natasha McLean, Hayley Matthews (c), Stefanie Taylor, Shemaine Campbelle (wk), Kyshona Knight, Chinelle Henry, Afy Fletcher, Aaliyah Alleyne, Karishma Ramharack, Shamilia Connell, Cherry Ann Fraser

New Zealand Women

Sophie Devine (c), Suzie Bates, Georgia Plimmer, Amelia Kerr, Brooke Halliday, Lea Tahuhu, Maddy Green, Hayley Jensen, Isabella Gaze (wk), Hannah Rowe, Fran Jonas

Probable Best Performers

Probable Best Batter

Sophie Devine

New Zeland skipper Sophie Devine is one of the most experienced T20I players around, having played over 100 matches. She has been in fine fettle with the bat in the format in recent times, scoring 208 runs in six matches at an average of 41.60 this year. She is the highest-ranked T20I batter in the side and fourth overall after Beth Mooney, Smriti Mandhana and Meg Lanning.

Probable Best Bowler

Hayley Jensen

Hayley Jensen is having one of her most prolific years with the ball in T20Is. In 2022, she has taken nine wickets in six matches with an economy rate of 5.76 and the best figures of 3/5. She also has an impressive record against West Indies, picking up six wickets in two T20Is. She will also come into this fixture on the back of a fine ODI series against the hosts, and is expected to shine yet again with the ball.

Today's Match Prediction: New Zealand Women to win the match

Disclaimer: This 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.