West Indies desperate for ODI upswing with World Cup qualification on the line

West Indies are in danger of missing out on automatic qualification for a second successive ODI World Cup.

After failing to reach the 2023 tournament, they currently sit 10th in the ICC ODI rankings – just outside the direct qualification spots for 2027 – making every remaining ODI a high-stakes affair.

The 1000-plus rating points separating them from ninth-placed Bangladesh means West Indies are almost destined to take part in another global qualifier.

Their urgency to change this situation was evident during last month’s rain-affected series against Sri Lanka.

West Indies went into it hoping to climb the rankings but came away with just one completed game, which they lost, leaving their qualification hopes no better off.

Head coach Daren Sammy has since described the five-match series against New Zealand as a string of “must-win scenarios”, while also hoping to use it to identify players who can add an X-factor in the 50-overs format.

Teenaged spinner Vitel Lawes is one such player, with home conditions offering an ideal stage for his international introduction.

New Zealand’s priorities are different. With their World Cup qualification virtually secure, their focus is on refining their squad in the lead-up to that tournament.

They have won seven of their 10 ODI series since the 2023 World Cup, although they lost 2-1 in Bangladesh in their last ODI outing.

A depleted pace attack – owing to workload management for their Test pack and injuries to some others – means Jacob Duffy will lead an inexperienced seam unit featuring Nathan Smith, Kristian Clarke, the uncapped Matthew Fisher and Ben Lister.

For West Indies, it’s about staying in the World Cup race; for New Zealand, it’s about fine-tuning the road to it. It could be a cracking five-match shootout, but for that, they’ll also want the weather to hold up its end of the bargain. (Cricinfo) 

Match time is 14:30h.

West Indies ODI Squad Against New Zealand (Guyana Leg): Shai Hope (Captain), Ackeem Auguste, John Campbell, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Justin Greaves, Amir Jangoo, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Vitel Lawes, Gudakesh Motie, Keemo Paul, Sherfane Rutherford, Jayden Seales, Khary Pierre

New Zealand squad: Mitchell Santner (capt), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Kristian Clarke, Jacob Duffy, Matthew Fisher, Dean Foxcroft, Mitchell Hay (wk), Nick Kelly, Tom Latham (wk), Jayden Lennox, Ben Lister, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Nathan Smith, Will Young