Match: 2nd T20I, West Indies tour of New Zealand 2025
Date: Thursday, November 6, 2025
Venue: Eden Park, Auckland
Toss Time: 11:15 AM IST (7:15 PM Local)
Match Start: 11:45 AM IST (7:45 PM Local)
Series Status: West Indies lead 1-0
First T20I Result
West Indies defeated New Zealand by seven runs in a thrilling opener at Eden Park. The visitors posted 164/6, with captain Shai Hope scoring 53 off 39 balls. Despite Mitchell Santner’s heroic unbeaten 55 off 28 balls, New Zealand fell short at 157/9. Roston Chase earned Player of the Match honors with figures of 3/26 and contributed 28 runs with the bat.
Expected Playing XIs
New Zealand (Likely XI)
Based on sources from Khel Now and Business Standard:
- Tim Robinson
- Devon Conway
- Rachin Ravindra
- Mark Chapman
- Daryl Mitchell
- Michael Bracewell
- James Neesham
- Mitchell Santner
- Zakary Foulkes
- Kyle Jamieson
- Jacob Duffy
Source: Multiple cricket websites report this likely lineup based on the first T20I team selection.
Note: New Zealand may stick with the same XI that played the first match, though they could consider changes after the batting collapse.
West Indies (Likely XI)
- Brandon King
- Shai Hope
- Alick Athanaze
- Roston Chase
- Ackeem Auguste
- Rovman Powell
- Romario Shepherd
- Jason Holder
- Matthew Forde
- Akeal Hosein
- Jayden Seales
Source: This lineup is based on the first T20I playing XI.
Note: Matthew Forde returned from a shoulder injury for the first match and impressed with figures of 1/9 off his first three overs. West Indies are likely to field an unchanged team.
Pitch and Weather Report
Weather Forecast
The weather for the second T20I in Auckland will be clear and bright. The temperature is expected to be around 22°C with average humidity around 63 percent. There’s no rain predicted, so fans can expect a full 40-over contest.
Pitch Report
The pitch at Eden Park was not easy to bat on early as the pacers got help with the new ball. There might be good bounce and carry initially, but the wicket can get slower with time. The batting conditions will get difficult, and spinners will come into play in the later stages of the game.
West Indies defended the lowest total at Eden Park in T20Is in the first match, suggesting the pitch offers more assistance to bowlers than usual at this traditionally batting-friendly venue.
Players to Watch
| Role | New Zealand | West Indies |
|---|---|---|
| Batters | Mitchell Santner – Showed incredible fighting spirit with an unbeaten 55 in the first match | Shai Hope – The captain led from the front with a composed half-century |
| Batters | Devon Conway – Experienced keeper-batter needs a strong start | Roston Chase – Match-winner in the first game with both bat and ball |
| Bowlers | Jacob Duffy – Outstanding in the first match with economical figures | Matthew Forde – Returned from injury with a menacing spell |
| Bowlers | Roston Chase – Off-spinner troubled the Kiwi batters | Jayden Seales – Picked up crucial wickets in the middle overs |
What to Expect
New Zealand will be desperate to bounce back after their batting collapse in the opening match. The hosts lost wickets regularly and were reduced to 100/7 before Santner’s late heroics gave them hope. The Black Caps need their top order, especially Conway and Ravindra, to fire and give them a solid platform.
West Indies come into this match full of confidence after claiming their first regulation-time T20I win in New Zealand. Their all-around performance, led by Hope’s batting and Chase’s brilliant spell, showed they’re well-prepared for the conditions.
The key battle will be between New Zealand’s middle order and West Indies’ spin attack. Chase produced a fine display of spin bowling on a small ground, picking up 3 for 26, and the hosts will need a better game plan against him.
Both teams are using this series as preparation for the T20 World Cup 2026, which is just three months away. Expect both sides to try different combinations and strategies while focusing on winning.
Match Prediction
West Indies enter as slight favorites after their impressive win in the first match. Their balanced attack and confident batting lineup give them an edge. However, Eden Park is a small ground where one big partnership can change the game completely.
New Zealand have the home advantage and will be eager to level the series. If their top order can provide a solid start and they bat with more caution in the middle overs, they have the firepower to win.
Predicted Winner: It’s a close contest, but New Zealand’s home conditions and their determination to bounce back make them slight favorites for the second T20I.
Where to Watch
India: Sony Sports Network (TV), Sony LIV and FanCode (Streaming)
New Zealand: TVNZ+ and TVNZ 1
United Kingdom: TNT Sports 2