West Indies vs New Zealand 1st ODI Preview & Tips - New Zealand to open ODI series against the Windies with a win

New Zealand also arrive for their clash with the Windies on the back of a run of defeats as they slipped to a pair of losses at the hands of Bangladesh. 

New Zealand have won eight of their last 10 against the Windies in the ODI game, with the latter winning the other two. 

The West Indies have finally come to the end of a long multi-format series against Sri Lanka that saw them lose 1-0 in their ODI series, win 2-1 in their T20 series and triumph 1-0 in their Test series. 

Their only ODI that was completed against Sri Lanka saw the Windies comfortably beaten in a 41-run loss. Bowling first, the Windies saw Sri Lanka make their way to 303/7 on a pitch that looked good for batting. In their chase, the West Indies made a good start as they got to 50 without loss. However, wickets fell regularly enough to keep Sri Lanka in the game before the home side went from 214/5 to 262 all out. 

Their issues in their last defeat to Sri Lanka came via their best batters all making starts but failing to go on to make a big score. At least one of the Windies batters needs to ensure they are in for a large portion of the game, but a lack of true staying power has hurt the side in the 50 over format. 

Playing at home gives them a big advantage when it comes to the conditions they will face, but they have struggled against their opponents in the ODI game. With their own issues in the format in mind, I am backing the Windies to slump to a defeat. 

New Zealand began their ODI series against Bangladesh in good form as they secured a 26-run win over their opponents. However, they saw their lead disappear as they slipped to a 2-1 series loss. 

It is worth noting that this series saw New Zealand arrive without a number of their best players following the T20 World Cup. A range of big names are restored to the side, and no player will likely have a bigger impact than Daryl Mitchell. His ability to score runs irrespective of the opposition bowlers or surface makes him incredibly difficult to stop. 

While they have lost their last two in the ODI game, they have secured wins in seven of their last 10. Meanwhile, they boast eight wins in their last 10 against the Windies and five consecutive wins against their opponents heading into this one. With this in mind, I am backing the touring side to secure a win in their opening ODI clash.