Cricket World Cup: Three predictions ahead of Black Caps v West Indies

Three Predictions ahead of today's match between the Black Cap's and West Indies.

The New Zealand Herald cricket writers make three predictions ahead of today's World Cup quarter-final against the West Indies in Wellington (2pm).

Dylan Cleaver

New Zealand will bowl first if they win the toss, no matter what the conditions. They get the ball to swing at Wellington and will fancy putting the Windies on the proverbial back foot from the start.

The Windies have a puncher's chance only, and the only way I can see them winning is if New Zealand bat first, lose early wickets and then panic.

Watch: West Indies 'Tricky opponents for Black Caps'

David Leggat

New Zealand will be too good. For all the talk about the threat of Chris Gayle, close inspection of his record shows he misses more than he hits. The Windies have good seam bowlers and, if they bowl first, they could put some pressure on early. But New Zealand are simply playing better cricket and, unless they get a bad dose of nerves, should win well.

Andrew Alderson

At the risk of enduring post-match mockery, New Zealand should dominate the West Indies on current form. The West Indies' main hope in the field is to create insecurity through the bowling powerplay overs with Jerome Taylor and Jason Holder taking several wickets and drilling below Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor.

Chris Gayle looked shaky yesterday in the nets so expecting him to suddenly blaze a (double) century would be a big ask. However, on the flipside, the tournament's yet to see the best batting of Andre Russell.

Denesh Ramdin and Chris Gayle of the West Indies. Photo / Getty Images

Expect New Zealand's consistency to shine again through the late swing of Tim Southee and Trent Boult, the economy of Daniel Vettori, at least two 70+ scores from the top six and improved fielding post-Bangladesh. I expect the margin to be 75-plus runs or five-plus wickets.

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