Black Caps seal 2-0 series sweep against spirited West Indies
New Zealand won the second Test in the nick of time as the West Indies ultimately succumbed to a crumbling pitch and Jacob Duffy to lose by 323 runs at Mount Maunganui on Monday.
Shamar Joseph, Evin Lewis return to West Indies squad ahead of T20 World Cup
Fast bowler Joseph has been out of action for the last three months due to a shoulder injury, missing the tours to India and Bangladesh.
Opening batter Lewis, also back from injury according to a CWI release, last played for West Indies in August last year in the ODI series against Pakistan.
Windies skipper Hope will miss the three matches against Afghanistan, from 19-22 January, due to playing commitments in the SA20, alongside Roston Chase, Akeal Hosein and Sherfane Rutherford.
"The opportunity to play competitive matches in subcontinental conditions is ideal, as it assists with our preparations and confidence building ahead of what will be a competitive T20 World Cup," head coach Darren Sammy said.
"It also presents a valuable platform to assess players who missed significant time towards the end of 2025, as well as those stepping into important roles for this series."
The West Indies squad for the T20 World Cup will be announced ahead of a three-match series in South Africa from 27 to 31 January.
West Indies T20 squad: Brandon King (captain), Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty, Johnson Charles, Matthew Forde, Justin Greaves, Shimron Hetmyer, Amir Jangoo, Shamar Joseph, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Khary Pierre, Quentin Sampson, Jayden Seales, Ramon Simmonds, Shamar Springer
Devon Conway's double ton leads New Zealand to 575 against West Indies
Devon Conway achieved his highest Test score as New Zealand tightened their grip on the third and final Test against the West Indies at Bay Oval on Friday.
Jacob Duffy stars as New Zealand beat West Indies to go ahead in home Test series
Jacob Duffy took five wickets in the second innings to help New Zealand beat West Indies by nine wickets in the second Test in Wellington as the hosts went 1-0 up in the three-match series.
Justin Greaves saviours 'special day' after batting West Indies to epic draw in 1st Test against NZ
Justin Greaves says he will saviour a 'special day' after scoring a maiden double-century to help West Indies to an epic draw in the first Test against New Zealand in Christchurch.