West Indies vs New Zealand 2025: Full Preview & Schedule

West Indies vs New Zealand 2025 tournament in New Zealand

The West Indies vs New Zealand 2025 series promises to be one of the most thrilling cricketing events of the year. Scheduled between November 5 and December 22, this tour features 5 T20Is, 3 ODIs, and 3 Tests. Fans from across the globe are eagerly waiting to see how the two nations perform, especially given their fascinating head-to-head history.

West Indies vs New Zealand 2025

According to New Zealand Cricket, the fixtures will test the depth and resilience of both teams. Meanwhile, West Indies Cricket has emphasized how important this series is for their players ahead of upcoming ICC tournaments. For the full fixture list, squads, and live updates, you can also check the West Indies tour of New Zealand 2025.

“Every time the West Indies visit New Zealand, the battles are fierce and the cricket is unforgettable,” said a former Kiwi captain.

T20I Head-to-Head Record

The shortest format has been dominated by the Kiwis, with their consistency proving too strong for the West Indies over the years.

TeamMatches PlayedWonLostTiedNo Result
New Zealand2015500
West Indies2051500

This one-sided rivalry shows just how challenging it has been for the Caribbean side to outplay the disciplined Kiwi bowlers and fielders.

T20I Key Records

  • Most Runs: Daryl Mitchell (NZ) – 256 runs
  • Most Wickets: Trent Boult (NZ) & Tim Southee (NZ) – 12 wickets each
  • Top Fielders: Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips (NZ), Nicholas Pooran, Rovman Powell (WI)

“T20 cricket is unpredictable, but numbers don’t lie – New Zealand have been far superior in this format,” remarked a leading analyst ahead of the series.

Upcoming series of T20 would be great since West Indies is a great T20 team so the tournament(West Indies vs New Zealand 2025) must be interesting.

ODI Head-to-Head: A Fierce Rivalry

When it comes to the West Indies vs New Zealand 2025, the ODI series has generated as much curiosity as the T20Is. Unlike the T20 format, where New Zealand has had a clear upper hand, ODIs between these two cricketing giants have always been unpredictable and fiercely contested.

The rivalry stretches back to the late 1970s, producing matches that have gone down to the wire, thrilling fans across both hemispheres. According to official stats from New Zealand Cricket and West Indies Cricket, the record is almost neck-and-neck. Let’s wait and watch West Indies vs New Zealand 2025 tournaments.

NZ vs WI ODI Head-to-Head Record

TeamMatches PlayedWonLostTiedNo Result
New Zealand68303107
West Indies68313007

As the table shows, the ODI rivalry is perhaps the most balanced chapter of this cricketing story. The West Indies vs New Zealand 2025 series schedule features three ODIs, and given the past numbers, fans can expect another tightly fought contest.

West Indies vs New Zealand 2025 series schedule

ODI Records: Runs, Wickets, and Catches

ODI cricket between the two sides has seen legendary performances over the years.

  • Most Runs: Chris Gayle (WI) leads the charge with 1,228 runs against New Zealand. For the Kiwis, Stephen Fleming remains the top scorer with 1,090 runs.
  • Most Wickets: Daniel Vettori (NZ) tops the charts with 45 wickets, while Sir Curtly Ambrose (WI) sits close with 37 wickets.
  • Most Catches: While exact catch records aren’t always centrally tracked for this rivalry, Ross Taylor (NZ) and Chris Gayle (WI) have been standout fielders.

As one cricket commentator famously said:

“When New Zealand and West Indies meet in ODIs, expect the unexpected. Momentum can shift in a single over.”

Why This ODI Series Matters in 2025

The New Zealand vs West Indies 2025 key players will decide whether history continues to repeat itself or if a new narrative emerges. The ODI series will also be crucial preparation for both sides as they eye upcoming ICC tournaments. Fans are waiting for an exciting series of West Indies vs New Zealand 2025.

Test Head-to-Head and Key Records

The red-ball rivalry between New Zealand and the West Indies has always had a fascinating mix of grit, flair, and unpredictable outcomes. When these two sides clash in Tests, it is not just a battle of bat and ball but also a cultural cricketing spectacle—Caribbean flair versus Kiwi discipline. The West Indies vs New Zealand 2025 will add another chapter to this legacy, with three crucial Test matches scheduled under the World Test Championship cycle.

How to watch West Indies tour of New Zealand 2025

Historically, the contests have been closely fought, with New Zealand slowly edging ahead in recent decades due to its strong home performances.

New Zealand vs West Indies Test Head-to-Head Record

TeamMatches PlayedWonLostTiedDrawn
New Zealand491713019
West Indies491317019

Most Runs in Tests (NZ vs WI)

  • Sir Gordon Greenidge (WI) – 1,215 runs
  • Ross Taylor (NZ) – 990 runs

Greenidge’s aggressive batting style laid the foundation for some of the West Indies’ most memorable wins. Meanwhile, Ross Taylor became the backbone of New Zealand’s batting lineup during his era, consistently scoring against quality West Indian pace attacks.

“Test cricket is not just about numbers; it’s about resilience. Both the West Indies and New Zealand have produced legends who define this rivalry.” – Cricket Analyst’s Note

Most Wickets in Tests (NZ vs WI)

  • Sir Richard Hadlee (NZ) – 86 wickets
  • Michael Holding (WI) – 48 wickets

Hadlee’s relentless accuracy and ability to move the ball both ways made him nearly unplayable, especially in home conditions. On the other hand, “Whispering Death” Michael Holding brought raw pace and intimidation, becoming the spearhead for West Indies’ attacks.

Notable Fielders in Test Matches

Catching and fielding have played a decisive role in this rivalry. While there isn’t a centralized record of most catches specifically for NZ vs WI Tests, notable names include:

  • Stephen Fleming (NZ) – Safe hands in the slips, a consistent catcher against fast bowling.
  • Clive Lloyd (WI) – Commanding presence in the field and a dependable fielder in high-pressure matches.

Why Tests Still Matter in 2025

The West Indies vs New Zealand 2025 comes at a time when Test cricket is facing increasing competition from T20 leagues. However, both boards—New Zealand Cricket and West Indies Cricket—have emphasized the importance of red-ball cricket. With World Test Championship points at stake, both teams will be pushing hard to secure vital wins.

The Caribbean side will rely on young pacers to exploit bouncy conditions, while New Zealand will depend on their seasoned attack of Boult, Southee, and Wagner. Fans can expect fiery battles between bat and ball, and perhaps even a few surprises that redefine the West Indies vs New Zealand head to head record in Tests.

Critical Matches and Historic Encounters

The West Indies tour of New Zealand 2025 cannot be discussed without reflecting on the history of thrilling contests that have shaped this rivalry. Over the decades, New Zealand and West Indies have provided cricket fans with unforgettable encounters, both in ICC tournaments and bilateral series. These games have not only been high on drama but have also defined the careers of many legendary players. It would be great to watch West Indies vs New Zealand 2025 series of T20, ODI and Test.

Memorable Matches That Defined the Rivalry

1. 1996 World Cup Semifinal
One of the most talked-about clashes came during the 1996 Cricket World Cup. The West Indies displayed sheer dominance, outclassing a strong New Zealand team and advancing to the finals. This game is still remembered for the power-hitting of the Caribbean batsmen and their ability to rise in knockout situations.

2. 2006 ODI at Queenstown
This match was nothing short of a rollercoaster. Rain interruptions forced a revised target under the D/L method. The West Indies, led by aggressive batting, chased down the score in a nerve-wracking finish. Fans still recall the atmosphere at Queenstown, where the balance of the game kept shifting until the very last over.

3. 2019 World Cup Group Stage Thriller
Perhaps the closest ODI encounter between the two sides came during the 2019 ICC World Cup. New Zealand set a challenging total of 291, but the West Indies nearly pulled off a miracle. Carlos Brathwaite’s sensational late-innings assault brought them within just 5 runs of victory. This match went down as one of the most dramatic near-chases in World Cup history.

The upcoming series of West Indies vs New Zealand 2025 will add a new chapter to make it great.

Test Matches of Historical Significance

1980s Caribbean Dominance
When the West Indies were the world’s most feared Test team, they often steamrolled opponents. However, in New Zealand’s seamer-friendly conditions, the contests were more balanced. The 1980 Test series was remembered for fiery spells from the likes of Michael Holding and Sir Richard Hadlee, showcasing a battle of pace vs pace.

2006 Napier Test
The 2006 Napier Test turned into a batting marathon. New Zealand’s Ross Taylor and Stephen Fleming piled up runs, while Chris Gayle countered with his explosive batting. The match eventually ended in a draw, but it highlighted the resilience of both teams.

2013 Dunedin Test
This encounter remains a fan favorite. New Zealand’s Brendon McCullum played a captain’s knock, while Darren Sammy’s West Indies side showed grit to stretch the game into the final day. Ultimately, New Zealand pulled through with a hard-fought win, setting the tone for future dominance at home.

Just wait for the tournaments of West Indies vs New Zealand 2025.

FAQs: West Indies vs New Zealand 2025

  1. How many matches are in the 2025 series?

    The tour includes 5 T20Is, 3 ODIs, and 3 Tests, for a total of 11 matches.

  2. When does the tour start and end?

    The tour begins on November 5 and concludes on December 22, 2025.

  3. Is the Test series part of the World Test Championship?

    Yes, the three-match Test series will be part of the 2025–2027 ICC World Test Championship.

  4. What are the venues for the T20Is?

    The T20Is will be played in Auckland, Nelson, and Dunedin.

  5. Who has the historical advantage in ODIs?

    The ODI rivalry is very close, with the West Indies holding a slight edge with 31 wins to New Zealand’s 30.

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