The first One Day International in Christchurch has taken an unexpected turn as the West Indies bowlers, led by Matthew Forde’s impressive two-in-two spell, have put New Zealand under significant pressure. Having won the toss and elected to bowl, the Caribbean side has reaped early rewards, leaving the Black Caps in an unfavorable position. For the West Indies, this series is a vital opportunity to solidify their progress and carry forward the positives from their recent campaigns, including performances in Bangladesh, as they set their sights on the 2027 World Cup. New Zealand, having recently secured a T20I series victory and a resounding 3-0 ODI series win against England, will need to regroup quickly. This early bowling onslaught from the West Indies poses a different challenge compared to their recent successful chases, making for a compelling start to the ODI series.
