World Cup ODI 2023

ENG vs. NZ, Match 1

Preview

It is time for the biggest cricket festival ever, the World Cup ODI 2023 is all set to kick off from 05th October in India. The defending champions England will square off against the 2019 runners-up NZ in the opening encounter on Thursday, at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad at 02:00 PM IST.  We can expect a high-voltage clash from both sides. ENG and NZ have done well in the warm-up games and have an experienced group of players. The English side won the last warm-up game against BAN, and the Black Caps defeated the Proteas.  

Jos Buttler-led England has had the upper hand against Kane Williamson-led in the last few years and has lost only twice against them in the last ten games. ENG boasts one of the most hard-hitting batting line-ups, making them confident in this game. NZ won’t be easy to defeat, as their batters have shaped up well in the warmup games. The two top sides in the cricket world are ready for this colossal game, we expect a thrilling start to the campaign.

ENG would aim to make a confident start in their title defense. The fifth-placed ODI side in the world ENG has one of the strongest batting line-ups in this tournament and would like to play to its strengths in the first match. The 33-year-old right-handed wicket-keeper batter and skipper of the side Buttler would know that the sixth-placed New Zealand side in the ODI ranking are in good form, and NZ won’t make lives easy for them. The English captain would like a spirited performance from his players in this game.  

ENG would like to get off to a flier and expect a good performance in this match against NZ from the likes of left-handed batter Dawid Malan and the right-handed destructive batter Jonny Bairstow at the top. ENG's middle order is formidable for the team, and they will look for runs from Joe Root, Jos Buttler, Harry Brook and Liam Livingstone. They have solid all-rounders such as Moeen Ali, Ben Stokes, Sam Curran, and Chris Woakes who add firepower to the line-up in the lower middle order, making it strong. However, Ben Stokes is likely to miss the first match of the tournament after having a slight niggle in his hip and may not participate in this match. The left-handed batter is likely to be replaced by Harry Brook as per reports.

ENG need a good start with the new ball from Reece Topley and Sam Curran, and NZ has a powerful batting line-up that can destroy any bowling attack. The spin web of ENG includes the likes of Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid shall find the conditions conducive to their bowling and have an important role against NZ. The English side will also expect a good show from Chris Woakes in the supporting role. 

The 33-year-old Blackcaps skipper Kane Williamson's side has ticked all the boxes in their two warm-up games. NZ batted brilliantly in both games, though there is some scope for improvement for the side in their bowling form. The most experienced active Kiwi batter would know the batting strength England has; expect a disciplined show from his bowlers in this game. The odds are stacked against them, and NZ must rise to the occasion to win.  

NZ will look for a good start from the opening pair of Devon Conway and Finn Allen, as both these players are good strokemakers. Skipper's return to the team strengthens the batting, and the right-handed batter Williamson will look to do well with Glenn Phillips and Will Young in the middle order. Mitchell is a good finisher, and he will look to add runs in the lower middle order with Neesham and Santner.  

NZ's bowling attack must shine in this game as they take on a powerful batting line-up. The pair of Trent Boult and Tim Southee are a great bowling attack, and early wickets from them will be crucial to the side’s fortunes. NZ's spinners Ish Sodhi and Santner will like bowling on the Indian tracks, and they must do well. The all-rounders Mitchell and Neesham complete a strong attack for the side. 

Both sides have faced each other in 95 matches in ODI. Out of these 95 matches, ENG has won 45 and NZ has won 44 matches respectively. However, 4 matches ended without a result. 2 matches ended with a tie. ENG and NZ have faced each other 10 times in World Cup ODI history. Similar to their overall 50-over record, their rivalry in the World Cup ODI is intense, resulting in close matches. Both sides are tied at 5-5 in the marquee event. ENG and NZ have met just once in India. Blackcaps defeated England in that particular match.

Match Details

Match: World Cup ODI 2023, ENG vs NZ, Match 1

Date: Thursday, October 05, 2023

Time: 02:00 PM IST

Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad

Pitch and Weather Report

The venue for this electrifying encounter, Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, is no stranger to high-stakes cricket. This match is a rematch of the last edition's final, adding even more intrigue to the showdown.

As per the weather forecast for October 5th, Ahmedabad is expected to have a very warm day with a maximum temperature of 36°C. The night temperature is likely to drop to 28°C. Fortunately, there is no threat of rain, ensuring uninterrupted cricket action. However, captains and bowlers should be wary of the dew factor, which is expected to arrive late in the evening during the second innings. The side batting first in this game will be happy to have 320 plus runs to feel comfortable. 

The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad is no stranger to cricketing action, and it's the perfect stage for this high-profile clash. The pitch at this venue offers a variety of challenges for both batters and bowlers.

ENG vs. NZ Squads

ENG: Jos Buttler (c), Moeen Ali, Gus Atkinson, Jonny Bairstow, Harry Brook, Sam Curran, Liam Livingstone, Dawid Malan, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Reece Topley, David Willey, Mark Wood, Chris Woakes

NZ: Kane Williamson (c), Trent Boult, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitch Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Will Young

ENG vs. NZ Probable Playing XIs

ENG: Jos Buttler (c & wk), Dawid Malan, Joe Root, Harry Brooke, Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Sam Curran, Liam Livingstone, Chris Woakes, Adil Rashid, Reece Topley

NZ: Kane Williamson (c), Devon Conway (wk), Will Young, Trent Boult, Tim Southee, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Finn Allen

Match Prediction

NZ has done well with the bat in the two warmup games the side has played. They have covered all bases here, but their bowling attack will be under pressure in this game. The side must tie up the English batters to win this game. England has depth in the batting and a bowling attack with a lot of experience. It is an open contest, but England, with their better record against New Zealand, has a slight edge.

Suggested Playing XI Real11 Fantasy Cricket