AUCKLAND, New Zealand — Fresh from a commanding 3-0 series victory over Bangladesh, West Indies white-ball captain Shai Hope believes his side carries both confidence and conviction into their five-match T20 International series against New Zealand, which bowls off Wednesday.
That clean sweep in Dhaka marked just the Caribbean side’s second bilateral T20I series win in nine attempts, snapping a frustrating run of losses to Nepal, Pakistan, and Australia. Now, with renewed belief, the Windies aim to rewrite history against the fourth-ranked Black Caps — a team they have not beaten in a T20I series since 2012.
‘A great confidence booster’
Speaking on the eve of the series, Hope said the team’s morale was soaring and that their Bangladesh success had provided invaluable momentum ahead of the challenging assignment in New Zealand.
“Coming off that 3-0 victory that we had in Bangladesh is a great confidence booster for us as a team,” Hope said. “It’s about continuing to challenge ourselves and see where we’re at as a unit while building toward the World Cup.”
The skipper emphasized how the players took pride in triumphing under difficult subcontinental conditions, a feat that underscored the team’s growing resilience.
“You have to take a lot of pride, especially going into conditions that you may not have faced ever in your career,” he added. “The success we’ve had says a lot about the strength of the group. It’s a big confidence lift heading into this series.”
Hope, who has led the side’s white-ball resurgence, said he expected the team’s batters and bowlers to relish the more familiar, faster surfaces of New Zealand after the spin-friendly pitches of Bangladesh.
“It’s a place I’m sure the batters and even the bowlers will be happier playing on,” he said. “Hopefully we can turn things around in New Zealand and build on that success.”
Adapting to Kiwi conditions
While buoyed by their recent triumph, Hope cautioned that conditions in New Zealand would pose an entirely new challenge — one that would test adaptability and tactical discipline.
“Slightly different conditions, maybe totally different conditions,” he noted. “But as we all know, one of the biggest aspects of being a professional cricketer is the ability to adapt.”
He added that success in the series would depend on how quickly his players could read the local pitches, boundary dimensions, and bowling strategies.
“I don’t expect New Zealand bowlers to just put it in the slot for the shorter straight boundaries,” Hope said with a grin. “It’s about understanding what you’re going to get and forming the right plans to be successful — whether with bat or ball.”
Focus on consistency and growth
Looking ahead, Hope said the team’s mission extended beyond just competing — it was about proving consistency and the ability to win away from home against elite opposition.
“On the back of that success in Bangladesh, it’s about trying to repeat,” he stressed. “We want to be a very good team, and it’s about consistency. If you want to be the best, you have to beat the best in their home territories — and that’s a box we’re determined to tick.”
With momentum, belief, and renewed direction under Hope’s leadership, the West Indies now face the test of translating promise into performance in unfamiliar territory.
