The Men’s Minor Multi-Day Match offers an intriguing red-ball contest as the developmental and emerging New Zealand XI Men take on an experienced touring West Indies outfit at the serene and high-quality Bert Sutcliffe Oval, Lincoln University on 25 November. Scheduled for 22:00 UK, play begins for Indian viewers at 03:30 IST (26 November). This fixture provides the perfect platform for young New Zealand talent to test themselves against international-level opposition, while the West Indies use the match to fine-tune their skills ahead of major tours.
Form Guide
New Zealand XI Men
The New Zealand XI enter this match with a blend of promising youth players and fringe domestic performers eager to make a mark. Their batting has shown composure in recent outings, though sustaining partnerships across long spells remains an area for refinement. Their bowling attack—featuring seamers accustomed to Canterbury conditions—has been consistent, particularly with the new ball where movement is plentiful.
- Seamers exploiting local swing and seam movement effectively.
- Batters showing improved patience and solid defensive technique.
- Fielding sharp, especially in cordon positions.
West Indies
The West Indies arrive with a seasoned squad featuring players pushing for Test selection. Their batting unit has displayed increased resilience, especially in challenging early-season conditions. Their bowlers—both pace and spin—remain their biggest strength, capable of long, probing spells. Consistency across multiple sessions will be their focus as they look to build match readiness.
- Pace attack delivering disciplined spells with bounce and lift.
- Batting group working on building longer innings and partnerships.
- Spinners adding valuable control in middle sessions.
Key Players
New Zealand XI Men
- Tim Seifert – Experienced batter capable of anchoring the innings with positive strokeplay.
- Leo Carter – Reliable left-hander providing important middle-order resilience.
- Jacob Duffy – Skilled seamer ideally suited to Lincoln’s seam-friendly surfaces.
West Indies
- Kraigg Brathwaite – Veteran opener renowned for occupying the crease and grinding attacks.
- Alick Athanaze – Promising left-hander who offers balance and emerging middle-order quality.
- Kemar Roach – Masterful seamer capable of leading long spells with movement and accuracy.
Pitch and Weather Conditions
Bert Sutcliffe Oval is known for its lush outfield, true bounce, and early movement for seamers. Day one usually favours the quicks with swing on offer, especially in overcast Lincoln conditions. Batting becomes more comfortable on days two and three as the pitch settles, while spinners may find subtle assistance on the final day as footmarks develop. Expect cool temperatures around 15–18°C with light breezes—ideal conditions for a multi-day contest.
New Zealand XI Men vs West Indies – Prediction
This match offers a fascinating contrast between developing talent and seasoned Test performers. The New Zealand XI will rely on Tim Seifert to anchor their innings and Jacob Duffy to exploit home seam conditions. The West Indies, however, bring superior experience and depth. If Kraigg Brathwaite produces a trademark long knock and Kemar Roach finds early rhythm, the visitors should control key phases. Expect competitive passages of play, but West Indies hold the stronger hand—likely pushing for a final-day victory.
Dream 11 Fantasy Picks
- Kraigg Brathwaite – High-value long-innings specialist.
- Tim Seifert – Anchoring top-order presence with scoring potential.
- Kemar Roach – Strike bowler perfectly suited to Lincoln conditions.
