Live Cricket: New Zealand Host West Indies at Hagley Oval
Cricket fans are in for a treat as New Zealand takes on the West Indies at Christchurch's iconic Hagley Oval. This thrilling encounter is part of the West Indies in New Zealand 2025 tour, with live action commencing on Saturday 15 November 2025.
Understanding the ICC Test Championship
The context for this match is the prestigious ICC Test Championship. This elite competition features nine top cricketing nations battling it out across a rigorous two-year cycle. The culmination is a grand final where the two best teams compete for the ultimate prize. History was made in the inaugural tournament when New Zealand clinched a thrilling victory over India in June 2021, securing the first-ever championship title.
A Glimpse at Cricket's Global Tournaments
While Test cricket represents the traditional pinnacle, the sport boasts other major formats. The 50-over World Cup has a rich history dating back to 1975. Australia stands as the most successful team, having won the tournament on five memorable occasions: 1987, 1999, 2003, 2007, and 2015. In a dramatic turn of events, England claimed the 2019 crown after a nail-biting super-over finish against New Zealand at Lord's, inspired by a stellar performance from Ben Stokes.
The Twenty20 format has taken the world by storm as the shortest and most explosive version of the game. Its rapid rise in popularity has led to the creation of several hugely lucrative leagues that attract global audiences. The current reigning world champions in this format are Australia, who secured their victory in the 2021 tournament.
Follow all the latest live coverage of today's match in the live blog below.
