The primary Take a look at of the three-match sequence between New Zealand and West Indies, scheduled from December 2-6, 2025 at Hagley Oval, is about to unfold beneath variable climate situations, with the best rain threat predicted on Days 1 and 5. Whereas the center section of the match is predicted to get pleasure from clearer skies, early cloud cowl, fluctuating temperatures, and brisk northwest winds might form pitch behaviour and captaincy selections.
NZ vs WI, 1st Take a look at: Will rain play a spoiler?
Temperatures by way of the Take a look at window are forecast to vary between 8°C and 24°C, with humidity sitting between 58-73% and winds gusting as much as 38 km/h. These elements are anticipated to help seam bowlers, historically dominant at Hagley Oval. With minimal mid-Take a look at interruptions projected, groups profitable the toss on Day 1 could also be tempted to bowl first and exploit the new-ball-friendly situations.
Day 1: Excessive rain probability and cloud cowl to problem opening hour
The opening day on December 2 brings probably the most unstable climate of the Take a look at. Circumstances are predicted to remain cloudy with temperatures between 8-18°C, accompanied by robust northwest winds that might attain 38 km/h, notably in uncovered pockets of the stadium.
A 25-40% chance of rain threatens to delay or disrupt the opening session. Forecast fashions point out 10-20 mm of precipitation if showers align throughout play, prompting officers and groups to observe updates carefully. Heavy 80% cloud cowl ought to create superb swing situations, giving early benefit to pacers comparable to Matt Henry. Batters might face a stern examination till the overhead situations settle.
Day 2: Improved forecast with average seam motion anticipated
Circumstances enhance on December 3, with rain possibilities dipping to 20-30%, although remoted showers might nonetheless carry temporary interruptions. Temperatures rise to 12-20°C, whereas winds ease to round 20 km/h, creating extra steady taking part in situations in comparison with Day 1.
A partly cloudy afternoon is good for extended classes of play, however humidity hovering close to 70% should help bowlers. Seamers from either side – notably New Zealand’s assault and West Indies’ Jayden Seales – are anticipated to profit from the lingering motion by way of the air.
Day 3: Greatest climate window guarantees full day of cricket
The third day, on December 4, affords probably the most beneficial forecast, with rain odds falling under 15%. Temperatures climb to 14-22°C, and winds ease additional, settling between 15–25 km/h. Beneath partly sunny skies, groups ought to get pleasure from an uninterrupted day – good for batting because the pitch sometimes stabilizes by this stage.
Hagley Oval’s historic knowledge suggests 300-plus scores are achievable on Days 3 and 4 as soon as the early greenness fades and bounce turns into extra predictable.
Day 4: Dry, heat and windy situations set stage for giant scores
December 5 stays dry with negligible rain (<10%) and temperatures ranging 16-24°C. Gusty northwest winds between 20-30 km/h might present minor help to bowlers, however general situations strongly favour batters. Partial cloud cowl close to 50% ought to hold the pitch energetic sufficient to forestall imbalance however enable set gamers to capitalise, particularly in the course of the third and fourth innings.
Additionally READ: NZ vs WI 2025 – Pitch Report for 1st Take a look at, Hagley Oval Stats and Information
Day 5: Rain menace returns for doubtlessly dramatic end
The ultimate day on December 6 sees a renewed rain threat between 30-50%, with temperatures dropping to 10-20°C. Forecasts warn of as much as 15 mm of rainfall, which can disrupt the closing passages of the Take a look at. If climate permits, each groups will push for a outcome – however early use of covers stays possible ought to morning showers develop.
Additionally READ: Breakdown of Andre Russell’s IPL wage since his debut – From 2012 to 2025
