ENG vs NZ Live Score: The trumpets are blown & the players are ready as one of the biggest events of the Cricket fraternity is all set to begin today on the grounds of Ahmedabad. The first fixture of ICC ODI World Cup 2023 is all set to be played between Defending Champions England and last year’s finalist New Zealand. Both the teams have fair well in the warm-up matches & have a clan of experienced players in the lineup.
England won their last warm-up match against Bangladesh & New Zealand defeated South Africa in their last fixture. Both teams are brimming with confidence & will aim to make an early impact in the ODI World Cup by winning the inaugural fixture. England has had the upper hand against New Zealand in the last few years and has lost only twice against them in the last ten games.
This good form against New Zealand will be a major positive for England marching into the ODI World Cup 2023. New Zealand won’t be easy to defeat, as their batsmen have shaped up well in the warmup games. As two of the best teams battle in the first game, we expect a thrilling start to the tournament.
England Preview
Under the charismatic leadership of Jos Buttler, England is all set to embark on their title defense journey. With a batting lineup that can obliterate any bowling attack on its day, the English side is brimming with confidence. However, they are well aware that New Zealand is not an opponent to be taken lightly, given their current form and reputation as a fierce cricketing force.
England’s opening pair of Dawid Malan and Jonny Bairstow will play a pivotal role in setting the tone for the innings. Malan’s consistency and Bairstow’s explosive strokeplay make for a formidable partnership at the top of the order. The middle order boasts the likes of Joe Root, Jos Buttler, and the hard-hitting Liam Livingstone, who can turn the game in their team’s favor single-handedly.
In the lower middle order, the presence of Moeen Ali, Ben Stokes, Sam Curran, and Chris Woakes adds firepower and depth to the batting lineup. This combination of power-hitters and finishers ensures that England can post competitive totals and chase down challenging targets.
England’s bowling attack will look to make early inroads into the New Zealand batting lineup. Reece Topley and Sam Curran will spearhead the new ball attack, while the spin duo of Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid will aim to exploit favorable conditions. Additionally, the supporting roles played by Ben Stokes and Chris Woakes can’t be underestimated, as they provide crucial breakthroughs when needed.
England Predicted Playing XI: Jos Buttler (c & wk), Dawid Malan, Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Sam Curran, Liam Livingstone, Chris Woakes, Adil Rashid, Reece Topley
New Zealand Preview
Kane Williamson’s New Zealand side is heading into this warm-up game with all boxes ticked in their two warm-up encounters. Their batting has been exemplary, but there’s room for improvement in the bowling department. Knowing the firepower England possesses with the bat, Williamson will demand a disciplined performance from his bowlers.
Devon Conway and Finn Allen will aim to provide a solid foundation at the top of the order, showcasing their ability to play delightful strokes. Kane Williamson’s return to the team bolsters the middle order, with the experienced Glenn Phillips and Will Young adding depth to the lineup. The lower middle order featuring Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, and Mitchell Santner has the potential to accelerate the run-rate in the death overs.
New Zealand’s bowling attack holds the key to their success in this game. The pace duo of Trent Boult and Tim Southee is renowned for their ability to pick early wickets and disrupt the opposition’s rhythm. In the spin department, Ish Sodhi and Santner will look to exploit the conditions, and their performance could be a deciding factor.
The combination of Boult, Southee, Sodhi, and Santner, backed by the all-round skills of Mitchell and Neesham, gives New Zealand a well-rounded bowling unit. They will be determined to stifle England’s powerful batting lineup and set the stage for a competitive match.
New Zealand Predicted Playing XI: Kane Williamson (c), Devon Conway (wk), Will Young, Trent Boult, Tim Southee, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Finn Allen
ENG vs NZ: Pitch and Weather Conditions
The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad is known for its flat surface and fast outfield. Batsmen have thrived here by rotating the strike and constructing innings patiently. Fast bowlers will need to rely on their variations to trouble the batsmen, while spinners tend to extract significant turns and bounce from the surface.
As for the weather, the skies over Ahmedabad on October 5 are expected to be clear, promising a warm evening. These conditions suggest an ideal day for cricket, and with the pitch favoring batsmen, both teams will aim to put up substantial totals on the board.
Toss: To Bat or Not to Bat
In conditions like these, winning the toss can be pivotal. The team that wins the toss is likely to opt for batting first to take full advantage of the favorable batting conditions in the first innings. As the game progresses, the pitch may slow down, and the spinners could come into play, making batting under lights a challenge.
ENG vs NZ Match Prediction
The clash between England and New Zealand is a mouthwatering prospect that could set the tone for the entire ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. Both teams are well-matched and have shown their mettle in the warm-up games.
New Zealand, with their stellar batting performances in the warm-ups, has the potential to put England under pressure. However, their bowling attack will be tested against England’s formidable batting lineup.
England, on the other hand, holds a slight edge in this encounter, primarily due to their recent dominance over New Zealand. With a strong record against the Kiwis and a well-rounded squad, they have the firepower to clinch this game.
Cricket fans around the world can expect a thrilling contest, but in the end, England is predicted to emerge victorious setting the stage for an exciting World Cup campaign.
Winning Prediction: England to win
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