Betting tips from AI for New Zealand vs West Indies, 18 December 2025.

New Zealand arrive in full control: their openers surged to 216 without loss by tea, and Jacob Duffy’s five-wicket demolition last Test shows the home seam attack can finish sides off.

The Bay Oval has been seam-friendly after recent showers, and injuries have weakened West Indies’ pace options. The toss and the selection tug between Ajaz Patel and debutant Kristian Clarke matter less when the top order and Duffy are firing.

Bookmaker pricing reflects reality — New Zealand at 1.12 is the smart $1 play over a depleted West Indies (41.00.

New Zealand looks poised to continue their dominant run against the West Indies, making them a clear favorite despite the low payout. The Kiwis' openers set the tone early, racing to an incredible 216 without loss, leaving the West Indies reeling on day one. This immediate superiority underscores their current form and batting prowess.

Historically, the West Indies have struggled immensely on New Zealand soil, failing to secure a Test victory here since 1995. This long-standing dominance, coupled with Jacob Duffy's recent five-wicket heroics, paints a grim picture for the visitors. While New Zealand faces some pace attack injuries, with captain Latham weighing options like Ajaz Patel or debutant Kristian Clarke on a seam-friendly pitch, their overall squad depth and determination to seal the series remain strong.

The West Indies, despite Alick Athanaze's return, are battling their own injury woes, further weakening their challenge. Given the overwhelming form, historical precedent, and current match momentum, backing New Zealand at 1.12 is the logical, albeit low-yield, bet for a consistent profit.

New Zealand's commanding start with a 216-run opening stand indicates their batters are in exceptional form against a struggling West Indies attack. The hosts' dominance is further highlighted by Jacob Duffy's recent five-wicket haul, showcasing their bowling strength even with injury concerns. While Tom Latham faces a selection dilemma between Ajaz Patel and debutant Kristian Clarke, New Zealand's depth remains impressive.

The odds heavily favor New Zealand at 1.12, reflecting their overwhelming advantage and historical dominance—West Indies haven't won a Test in New Zealand since 1995. Despite Alick Athanaze's return strengthening the visitors' batting lineup, their 41.00 odds reveal bookmakers' extreme lack of confidence in their chances.

The nine-wicket thrashing in Wellington demonstrates the performance gap between these sides. Even with a draw priced at 6.75, New Zealand's home advantage and superior form make them the clear choice for a series-sealing victory.

New Zealand's batsmen set the tone on day one, exploding to 216 without loss after winning the toss at Bay Oval—a blistering start that has West Indies reeling early. With the home side's pace attack depleted by injuries, Jacob Duffy's return after his five-wicket haul in the last Test could prove decisive on this seam-friendly pitch, especially with recent showers adding swing. West Indies, missing key players and without a Test win in New Zealand since 1995, face an uphill battle despite Alick Athanaze's inclusion to shore up their batting. The odds reflect this mismatch, with New Zealand at 1.12 signaling heavy favoritism, while West Indies lurk at 41.00—a longshot not worth chasing. For a profitable $1 bet, backing the Kiwis to seal the series is the smart play, offering reliability over high-risk glory.

Captain Tom Latham's squad, bolstered by Tom Blundell's return, is primed to extend their dominance post that nine-wicket romp in Wellington. Expect New Zealand to grind out a commanding victory, capitalizing on their iron grip.

New Zealand's openers fired brilliantly, racing to 216 without loss by tea on day one, asserting early dominance at Bay Oval.
With the pitch seam-friendly after showers, bowlers like Jacob Duffy—coming off a five-wicket demolition—are set to thrive against a West Indies squad hampered by injuries.
West Indies haven't won a Test in New Zealand since 1995, and despite Alick Athanaze's return, they struggle to match the hosts' momentum. Bookmakers underscore this with odds: New Zealand at 1.12 is heavily favored, while West Indies at 41.00 represents a risky long shot.
Backing New Zealand offers a reliable path to profit given their current form and historical supremacy.

New Zealand enters this Test match as the overwhelming favorite with odds of 1.12, and for good reason. Their recent dominance over West Indies was on full display in Wellington, where they secured a nine-wicket victory. The Kiwis' openers have been in blistering form, posting an unbeaten 216 by tea in their last outing at Bay Oval—a clear sign of their batting depth and confidence. While injuries to their pace attack could raise concerns, Jacob Duffy's five-wicket haul in the previous Test underscores their ability to adapt and deliver under pressure.

West Indies, despite the return of Alick Athanaze to bolster their batting, face an uphill battle. Their struggles in New Zealand are well-documented, with no Test win since 1995. The odds of 41.00 reflect their underdog status, and while Athanaze’s inclusion might stabilize the middle order, it’s unlikely to bridge the gulf in quality and experience between the two sides.

The draw, priced at 6.75, is a tempting option given New Zealand's potential reliance on spin due to seam-friendly conditions. However, with both teams motivated to push for a result—New Zealand for a series seal and West Indies to avoid humiliation—the likelihood of a decisive outcome remains higher.

Given the home advantage, New Zealand’s recent performances, and the visitors’ historical struggles, backing the hosts seems like the most profitable bet.