NZL v WI, 3rd ODI Preview: New Zealand aims to experiment for the Boxing Day dead-rubber

Not many times one gets to use the “Dead-Rubber” term for a Boxing Day game, but it suits the New Zealand and Windies game on Tuesday. The Kiwis have been rampant throughout the tour, annihilating Jason Holder and co in the Tests by a handscome margin and now, they’re are 2-0 up ahead of the third and final ODI of the series.

This is going to be the penultimate game of the year for both these sides and either of them are looking to finish the year on a high. In both the ODIs played thus far, the Windies have been of no match the hosts. Despite Kane Williamson missing out, Tom Latham has been leading his side to victories really well.

Chris Gayle might be turning up for this game after speculations of him playing in the 2nd ODI got slaughtered. Gayle and Evin Lewis’ partnership has looked terrorizing on occasions this year and as they intend to finish the calendar year on a high, they need both these destructive players to compliment each other well and fire collectively.

New Zealand (Probable XI): George Worker, Colin Munro, Neil Broom, Ross Taylor, Tom Latham (C and WK), Henry Nicholls, Todd Astle, Doug Bracewell, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Trent Boult

West Indies (Probable XI): Chris Gayle, Evin Lewis, Shai Hope (wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Mohammed, Jason Holder (C), Rovman Powell, Ashley Nurse, Nikita Miller, Sheldon Cottrell , Shannon Gabriel

Focus will be on

Colin Munro (New Zealand)

The dashing southpaw registered some memorable knocks this year. He certainly has the ability to turn a game inside a span of few overs with his power-hitting, but consistency has been lacking from his side. Nevertheless, whenever the critics had written him off, he replied with his performances and he would love a big score on the boxing day.

Chris Gayle (Windies)

Arguably one of the greatest entertainers of all time, Chris Gayle is all set to comeback for the final ODI. Windies look a completely different side when he performs well and he brings in a lot of experience with him, much to the delight of skipper Holder. If he can club the bowlers for a few big ones and register anything more than 50, it might play a big role in helping their side register their first victory of the tour.

Playing combinations

New Zealand

George Worker has had a scintillating start to his limiter overs’ career and the lad will be opening the innings with Munro. With Neil Broom coming in at three, the experienced Ross Taylor comes in at four and skipper Latham at five. Henry Nicholls and Todd Astle are the other two batters in the middle order.

Lockie Ferguson has already earned a reputation of being one of the fastest bowlers currently. Accompanying him in that department is Trent Boult, who has had a breathtaking campaign this year. The other two mainstream fast bowlers in the side are Dough Bracewell and Matt Henry.

Windies

Evin Lewis and Chris Gayle, there’s so much potential in this pair, which is good enough to destroy the best bowling lineups. Shimron Hetmyer will be coming in at number three, with Jason Mohammed, Jason Holder, Rovman Powell, and Ashley Nurse following in the middle order.

Windies’ two primetime fast bowlers Kesrick Williams and Ronsford Beaton aren’t fit enough to make it to the XI on Tuesday. They’ll be pinning their hopes on Nikita Miller, Sheldon Cottrell and Shannon Gabriel in the fast bowling department. Ashley Nurse and Jason Holder are other decent options in the team.