The five-match T20I series between New Zealand and the West Indies culminates in a highly anticipated fifth T20I at the University Oval in Dunedin. With the rain-affected fourth match resulting in a no-result, the series stands finely poised with New Zealand holding a 2-1 lead. For the home side, a victory guarantees a 3-1 series triumph, while the West Indies are in a do-or-die situation, needing a win at all costs to level the series 2-2.

Series context: The road to Dunedin

The series has been a fiercely contested affair, starting with the West Indies clinching a vital opening game win. However, New Zealand quickly asserted their home dominance, securing consecutive narrow victories to take the lead. The Black Caps have shown superior depth and consistency, particularly in their bowling unit, but the West Indies have proven they can challenge the hosts when their star players fire.

Under the leadership of Mitchell SantnerNew Zealand has maintained a high level of performance. Their strength lies in contributions across the board. West Indies have shown flashes of their explosive potential but have struggled to maintain momentum, especially in the middle-order batting.

NZ vs WI, 5th T20I: Match Details

• Date and Time: November 13; 5:45 am IST / 12:15 am GMT / 1:15 pm LOCAL
• Venue: University Oval, Dunedin

NZ vs WI, Head-to-Head Record (T20Is)

• Matches played: 24 | New Zealand won: 13 | West Indies won: 8 | No results: 3 | Tie: 3

University Oval Pitch Report

The surface is typically flat, hard, and offers excellent pace and bounce, making it ideal for stroke play. With short boundaries, high scores are expected, placing immense pressure on the bowlers. Historically, the venue slightly favors the chasing side, prompting the captain winning the toss to likely bowl first to utilize the conditions under the lights and factor in the cold Dunedin air.

Team dynamics and key players

New Zealand: The top order has been consistently productive, with Tim Robinson leading the charge, well-supported by the experience of Devon Conway and the explosive hitting of Mark Chapman. The spin duo of Ish Sodhi and captain Santner has been key, efficiently choking the flow of runs in the middle overs. Seamer Jacob Duffy has been the most successful wicket-taker for the Kiwis, offering crucial breakthroughs with the new ball.

West Indies: The run-scoring charts for the series are topped by the West Indies pair of Alick Athanaze and the all-rounder Romario Shepherd. Shepherd, in particular, has been a standout, providing late-inning hitting and valuable wickets. The onus will be on skipper Shai Hope and powerful hitters like Rovman Powell and Sherfane Rutherford to provide better support and capitalize on the starts. The team’s most economical bowler has been Matthew Fordeand the spin of Roston Chase has been effective. However, the entire bowling unit needs to step up collectively to contain New Zealand’s aggressive lineup on this batting-friendly surface.

NZ vs WI, 5th T20I: Today’s Match Prediction

Case 1:

• New Zealand wins the toss and bowls first
• West Indies powerplay score: 40-50
• West Indies total score: 150-160

Case 2:

• West Indies wins the toss and bowls first
• New Zealand powerplay score: 50-60
• New Zealand total score: 165-175

Match result: Team bowling first to win the contest