Few cricket rivalries pack as much history as New Zealand vs West Indies, and the 2026 series is already delivering drama. After the Black Caps won the 2025–26 tour 2–0, the first ODI of the Caribbean leg saw West Indies chase down 269 with seven wickets in hand (Wisden). This guide covers where to watch every match live, the series history, and what each team has at stake in the ICC trophy race.

4 related posts

Latest match: West Indies 268/3 (48.5 ov) beat New Zealand by 7 wkts, July 11 2026 · Head-to-head (ODIs): New Zealand 36 wins, West Indies 35 wins (as of July 2026) · Current series: New Zealand tour of West Indies 2026: 3 ODIs, 3 T20Is · Next fixture: 3rd ODI, July 14 2026, 09:30 local

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
  • West Indies won first ODI by 7 wickets, July 11 2026 (Wisden)
  • Sky Sport NZ broadcasts in New Zealand; ESPN Caribbean in the Caribbean (Wisden)
  • FanCode streams exclusively in India with no TV broadcast (Wisden)
2What’s unclear
  • Exact TV channel for future matches without official schedule updates
  • Which team will win the remaining ODIs and T20Is
3Timeline signal
  • Nov–Dec 2025: West Indies tour of New Zealand – NZ win Test series 2-0
  • July 2026: New Zealand tour of West Indies – first ODI played July 11
  • 2024: West Indies reach T20 World Cup semifinal
4What’s next
  • 3rd ODI on July 14, 2026 at 09:30 local time
  • T20I series follows the ODIs
Label Value
Latest result West Indies beat New Zealand by 7 wickets, July 11 2026
Current series West Indies vs New Zealand ODI series, 2026
Next match July 14 2026, 09:30 local
New Zealand ICC trophies WTC (2021), Champions Trophy (2000)
West Indies World Cup status Not in 2023 ODI WC, in T20 WC semifinal (2024)

The pattern: West Indies ended a losing streak while New Zealand must regroup for the remaining matches.

How to watch New Zealand vs West Indies?

Live TV channels for New Zealand vs West Indies

Each region has a dedicated broadcaster. In the United Kingdom, TNT Sports holds the live rights (Wisden). Viewers in the United States and Canada can tune in to Willow TV (Wisden). In New Zealand, Sky Sport NZ is the official partner (Wisden). The Caribbean audience watches on ESPN Caribbean (Wisden).

The implication: UK viewers pay for TNT Sports while Caribbean fans get a dedicated ESPN channel.

Streaming options: Sky Sports, Now TV, and more

For cord-cutters, streaming is widely available. New Zealand viewers can use Sky Sport NOW (Wisden). In the UK, Now TV offers day passes. Australian fans can stream via Kayo Sports or Foxtel Now (The Big Lead). In India, FanCode is the exclusive digital partner — no TV broadcast (Wisden). The Caribbean streaming option is ESPN Play Caribbean (Smartcric).

How to watch without cable in the US, UK, and India

In the US, Willow TV is available via TrillerTV for the first ODI (TrillerTV). For the UK, Now TV day passes start at £11.98. Indian viewers must rely on FanCode, which offers a pay-per-match pass. The pattern: most markets have a single streaming partner, but the UK is the only one with both a linear TV channel and a flexible streaming pass.

The catch

Indian cricket fans face the biggest gap: no TV channel at all. FanCode is mobile-only, so households without a smartphone or reliable data miss out entirely.

UK and Indian viewers have the least flexible access; everyone else gets at least one reliable TV or streaming option for this series.

Has New Zealand won any ICC trophy?

New Zealand’s ICC Trophy History

New Zealand have won two major ICC tournaments: the ICC World Test Championship in 2021 and the ICC Champions Trophy in 2000 (content plan; confirmed by Wisden series preview). They have also been runners-up in three ODI World Cups (1975, 2019, 2023). No other team outside the Big Three has more final appearances in the past decade.

Key finals and semifinals appearances

The Black Caps have reached the semifinals in five of the last six ODI World Cups. Their 2019 final against England remains one of the most dramatic matches in cricket history, decided on boundary count. The pattern: New Zealand consistently punch above their population weight in ICC events.

Why this matters

For a team of 5 million people, two ICC trophies and three World Cup runner-up finishes represent an extraordinary return. The question is whether they can convert that consistency into more silverware in the 2026–27 cycle.

Is West Indies out of the ICC World Cup?

West Indies’ ICC World Cup qualification status

West Indies failed to qualify for the 2023 ODI World Cup — the first time the two-time former champions missed the tournament. They also missed the 2019 ODI World Cup, meaning they have not played in a 50-over World Cup since 2019. The cause: a combination of declining domestic structure and inconsistent performances in qualifiers.

West Indies in the T20 World Cup

In the T20 format, West Indies remain a force. They reached the semifinal of the 2024 T20 World Cup (Cricinfo). The Caribbean side has won the T20 World Cup twice (2012, 2016) — more than any other team. The contrast is stark: dominant in T20Is, absent in ODIs.

The paradox

West Indies are the most successful T20 team in history, yet they haven’t played a single ODI at a World Cup since 2019. The imbalance between formats is the biggest challenge facing West Indies cricket today.

Who will win New Zealand vs West Indies?

Recent head-to-head record

New Zealand lead the overall ODI head-to-head 36–35 (as of July 2026). In the 2025–26 bilateral series, New Zealand won the Test series 2–0, and the ODI series in New Zealand was also won by the Black Caps. However, the first ODI of the 2026 Caribbean tour went to West Indies by 7 wickets. The margin: 7 wickets with 7 balls remaining (Cricinfo).

Current form and team news

West Indies won the first ODI, but New Zealand’s recent record in the Caribbean is strong. The home advantage in the Caribbean has historically been worth about 15–20 runs in ODIs, but New Zealand’s pace attack — led by Trent Boult and Tim Southee — can exploit bouncy pitches. The second ODI will be a crucial test of whether West Indies can sustain momentum.

Six broadcast regions, two streaming-only markets, one clear pattern: the UK and India are the most underserved, while New Zealand and the Caribbean have the most comprehensive coverage.

Region TV Channel Streaming Service
United Kingdom TNT Sports Now TV
United States Willow TV TrillerTV
India No TV broadcast FanCode
New Zealand Sky Sport NZ Sky Sport NOW
Australia Fox Cricket Kayo Sports / Foxtel Now
Caribbean ESPN Caribbean ESPN Play Caribbean

The implication: Indian fans have the most limited access, while New Zealand and Caribbean viewers enjoy both TV and streaming.

How can I watch cricket live today on TV?

Best TV channels for live cricket in your region

If you’re looking for a general live cricket fix, the same channels cover most international matches. Sky Sports (UK), Willow TV (US), Star Sports (India), and Fox Cricket (Australia) are the mainstays. For the New Zealand vs West Indies series specifically, refer to the table above.

Streaming services for cricket

For streaming, the options vary by market. Disney+ in New Zealand and Australia carried the 2025–26 tour; in the Caribbean, ESPN Play is the digital home. The most flexible option is FanCode for India, though it lacks a TV app. The Big Lead notes that US viewers can also use Willow TV’s streaming platform.

The upshot

For the 2026 series, the UK and India are the hardest markets to watch live. UK fans need a TNT Sports subscription or a Now TV pass; Indian fans are limited to a mobile-only app. Everyone else has at least one reliable TV or streaming option.

Timeline: New Zealand vs West Indies 2025–26

  • Nov–Dec 2025: West Indies tour of New Zealand – NZ wins Test series 2-0
  • 2024: West Indies reach T20 World Cup semifinal
  • July 11, 2026: First ODI of the 2026 tour – West Indies win by 7 wickets
  • July 14, 2026: Third ODI scheduled

What we know and what remains unclear

Confirmed facts

  • West Indies squad for 2026 ODI series
  • New Zealand squad for 2026 ODI series
  • Sky Sports broadcast rights in UK (via TNT Sports)
  • West Indies won first ODI by 7 wickets

What’s unclear

  • Exact TV channel for future matches without official schedule updates
  • Who will win upcoming matches

Expert perspectives

West Indies won by 7 wickets (with 7 balls remaining).

— Cricinfo series page

New Zealand won the 3-match series 2–0.

— Wisden cricket guide

Summary

The 2026 New Zealand vs West Indies series tests both teams. For New Zealand, it proves their consistency extends beyond home conditions. For West Indies, it shows their T20 success can translate to the 50-over format. Indian viewers must subscribe to FanCode or miss a competitive series that could shift the balance of power in ODI cricket.

Additional sources

disneyplus.com, sundayguardianlive.com, crex.com, whatsportson.com, latestly.com, stream2watch.me, sundayguardianlive.com, trillertv.com, facebook.com

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Frequently asked questions

What time does New Zealand vs West Indies start?

The first ODI started at 6:00am NZST (July 12), which is 2:30 PM ET in the US. Check local listings for your time zone.

Where can I watch New Zealand vs West Indies live online?

Streaming options: Sky Sport NOW (NZ), FanCode (India), ESPN Play Caribbean, Willow TV (US), Now TV (UK).

Who is leading the current series between New Zealand and West Indies?

West Indies lead the ODI series 1–0 after winning the first match by 7 wickets.

What is the head-to-head record in ODIs?

New Zealand have 36 wins, West Indies have 35 wins (as of July 2026).

Are West Indies still in the 2024 T20 World Cup?

West Indies reached the semifinal of the 2024 T20 World Cup but were eliminated in the semifinal stage.

Has New Zealand won any ICC trophy?

Yes, New Zealand won the ICC World Test Championship in 2021 and the ICC Champions Trophy in 2000.

Is West Indies out of the ICC World Cup?

West Indies failed to qualify for the 2023 ODI World Cup and have not played in a 50-over World Cup since 2019.

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